Deserving Diva's Blog

Deserving Diva's! Now is the time to nominate

2011-10-26T13:27:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a few weeks since the "reveal" . What a funfilled wonderful day it was for me. I felt like a "Queen for a Day" as Dr. Williams would say. Since that day, I have started on my diet and excersise. I am not there yet but working on it and I can say, my whole life has changed a bit since that day. We ladies always put ourselves last. We have projects, we are caregivers, we have families to take care of and when that is all done we still are giving. I have found the best person I can give to after God and my family is me. This has really changed my perspective about taking care of me. I didn't realize how much it allows me to do even more and do it at my best when I take care of me. I think it has given me back something that I lost, which was me.

Who would have ever thought that this time last year I was on a list that would so drastically change my life forever and be such a lavish gift. So, if you know of Deserving Diva that is always putting others first and needs a Dental makeover, now is the time to nominate her. It may even be that someone wants to nominate you.! I know my life was changed, now is the time to help change someone else's.

Countdown!

2011-08-26T17:21:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the Big Reveal for the 3 fortunate women selected to have the dental makeover. Besides all the work that Dr. Williams and his staff have so generously given to us, we have been treated to a salon makeover at Revival Hair Salon and wow! are they fantastic! I have a new "do" which is considerably shorter than my old pony tail hairstyle and much more stylish. And then Bernice at Panache helped me select a Audrey Hepburn sleek black dress with a mink trimmed sweater to match and some bling to go with it too! I might add that Andrea has been there for me through the whole process and helped me decide on just the right outfit. She is one super lady and a wonderful coordinator! So tomorrow we are to be at Revival to get ready for the big day at the Gwinnett Marriot. It has been incredible to be treated so royally! So it will be easy to smile and show beautiful teeth--isn't a smile just so important! Thanks again to Dr. Williams for making this all possible. I'm looking forward to seeing the other ladies too. We have certainly been blessed. Thanks doesn't seem like enough to express my appreciation for all that has been done, but since there are no words to adequately describe my gratefulness...thanks will have to be the word. Thanks Thanks!!

Just one more day!

2011-08-26T07:07:00.000-07:00

Wow! I can't believe it is already here. It seems like yesterday that I was sitting in the office being "interviewed", LOL. Who knew that day would change my life and God would answer an incredible prayer that I have been praying for years now. I have had the best time, shopping, getting my hair done and seeing a smile emerge. In fact, I looked back over picture after picture and not one had me fully smiling where you could actually see my teeth. What an unconscious act of hinding my teet and not realizing it. But no longer! Dr Williams and Dr Golik have given so much time and effort to perfect my smile, I can't hide it!

So tomorrow is the big day! Hope you can make it out! It is going to be fun, exciting and exhilerating but most of all a moment to reflect on how great God is. That Dr, Williams saw a need to help and went the extra mile and extended the hands of feet of the gospel to us so that we can feel better about ourselves and to be healthier. We all have new smiles but we are all healthier. Our pain is gone and our smiles are big to honor all those that have worked so hard to help us be even better.

Our family sends the best hug to all the staff at Suwannee Dental and to Andrea, Dr. Williams and Dr. Golik for your continued care and the biggest blessing of my life.

Just a week to the reveal

2011-08-20T09:16:00.000-07:00

Wow, time has passed. I can't wait until next week. So many things have already changed but not just with my teeth. When this process started back in February, I was just so thankful to get my teeth fixed that a new smile was just a secondary gift. What I didn't realize is the changes that would start in my heart about myself.

These past years I have not had time or energy to really take care of myself. I really have been run down but something about a new smile, a new point of view on your life can really change your perspective. Dr, Williams and Dr, Golick will never really know the depths of appreciation I have to the things God has done in my heart over the last few months with this opportunity to have a new smile.

I have started taking an inventory of myself. I have started realizing how much I need to take care of my physical body not just the inside. All those changes can't be seen yet on the outside but they will soon,. I feel better, I have more energy and soon I will have a new hairstyle and a beautiful new smile. By the end of the year I will have achieved the things God started showing me when this started..."Me". I just need to take those steps and take care of "Me" just as much as those around me. When you are a care giver and have that heart, sometimes the "me" gets left out.

Thank you so much Suwaneed Dental, Dr, Golik, Dr Williams...I will forever hold in my heart those things you have taught me along the way.

The Class of 2010, a year later

2011-08-19T08:09:00.000-07:00

It has been a year since I had my own reveal with the Deserving Divas. And what a year it has been. God has continued to do amazing things both personally and professionally. Dr Williams made a statement in my wrap-up video that said "When she gets that last bit of self-doubt out of the way, she will be one unstoppable woman". SO TRUE!!

I have embraced the new, more confident woman that God and Suwanee Dental have allowed me to be. Professionally, I have gone after some big international ministries to work with and am thrilled to say that we are now working together. And, I am not afraid to go after more!! I have been able to mentor other people through many of the situations I have experienced in my own life. I travel internationally for work as well as to teach about "The Gift of Hospitality". I am blessed to call Pastors, Apostles, successful business people, Dove and Grammy award winners my friends. There are precious friends I know have all over the world. One big change that I experienced is that I embraced the fact that God wanted all of this and more for me. We are SO worthy, SO valued in His eyes. We are his precious children and he wants us to thrive in this world, not just survive, barely getting by.

"Thank you" can never express what I feel towards Dr Williams and Suwanee Dental for their sacrifices, love and willingness to be used by God. Sometimes, God needs those human hands to touch, reach and serve.
I am unbelievably proud to forever be a part of the Suwanee Dental Deserving Divas and the Deserving Diva Foundation.

Less Than a Week!

2011-08-13T10:19:00.000-07:00

Next Thursday my dental work will be completed and the temporary crowns removed and the bridges and crowns will be placed. It is wonderful to think my bite will be so improved that headaches should be a thing of the past!! To any one who has struggles with TMJ bite problems, please check out Suwanee Dental Care. They have the most up to date equipment and do such great work. End your misery--it will be so worth it. I can already tell a difference just with the temporary crowns. My bite is improved and I look different. Monday I will go in and they will check to make certain we are on target and everything is balanced, and then Thursday it will be a done deal. I am so excited!

Fun Day

2011-08-09T15:27:00.000-07:00

Today I was able to spend some wonderful time with Andrea as we went to get fitted for my clothes for the big reveal. What a fun experience! Having Bernice and Andrea there to help guide me through the clothes process was a time that I have not had in years. I felt special and blessed. Panache in Suwanne Town Center is the perfect place to shop for fun clothes and accessories.

I was a little bummed today because my temporaries and permanents did not make it in this week. I am probably only slighty bummed compared to Dr. Golik. What an incredible dentist. He cares so much. But when they do get here, it is going to one huge smile.

As I am sitting here writing, I have just read Nancy's blog. My mind wondered back to the beginning and through the last few months. There have been so many changes in my heart since that first day. The people that work in Suwanee Dental have been such a blessing to me. They have extended to me the true example of the hands and feet of the gospel. They have loved on me and encouraged me each and every time I step into the office. From Linda, at the front desk to Dr. Golik in the "chair" I have been so blessed to be a part of this process. The people in the office have spent extra time, support and care to make sure that I not only have a new smile but the best smile! What an overwhelming gift that has been for me. I am not even sure I know how to receive it. I was telling Andrea today that if they did nothing else I would be happy.

So, Dr. Williams and Dr. Golik...thank you. You guys are the best but I also love every hygenist and assistant you have as well. I would not know what I would do without them and I know you feel the same. And Andrea and Brook...well...you guys are the best!

As we move forward and get closer to the reveal the excitement is building. I can't wait to see the end results. I saw Nancy, with her temporaries in the office the other day and she looked so lovely. Just a beautiful lady with a beautiful smile. We are so humbled and so blessed.

Quick Thought

2011-08-05T13:56:00.000-07:00

Today I was driving and looked up at my teeth in the rear view mirror. They are the temporary ones, but a likeness of the real deal. I thought of all the people in this world who would love to have a competent professional like Dr. Williams do their teeth and it made me feel so humbled to have this amazing privilege. I am really looking forward to the 18th when he puts in the permanent teeth. Knowing his work, I know they will be wonderful.

2011-08-04T11:36:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday a week ago, Dr. Wiliams took his day off and spent it doing my extreme dental work. Yes, I was in the chair for 6 and a half hours. I wondered after wards if my mouth would permanently be the size of Julia Roberts! :) But It was worth the temporary discomfort and I will add that Dr. Williams does the best job of injections ever--hardly feel them. And he spent 6 and a half hours non-stop giving me the best of care and dental work that would have been hard for me to ever manage financially. What a blessing! He removed old crowns and prepped me for 3 bridges and did other dental work. So now I have a mouth full of temporary teeth and I'm looking forward to the 18th when the beautiful permanent teeth will be fitted. Hello other dental and medical providers--here is a doctor who gives back in big ways. Not a day goes by that I don't think how blessed I am to have the absolute best dental care possible. Five stars for Suwanee Dental Care!!

The Next Step in this Journey

2011-07-27T20:09:00.000-07:00

Tonight I am both nervous and excited to be near the end of this journey to have my dental work completed. I have been wearing a TMJ dental mouthpiece for almost 6 months to ready my jaws for the approaching work. My teeth were so worn down that this was necessary to prepare me for the extensive work Dr. Williams will be doing. It is wonderful to think my bite will be better and my teeth built up to a level that both improves function and looks. The work tomorrow will take at least 6 hours so I am psyched up and ready to have this next step done. And to think they are using a day off to come in to do this work for me! I am so blessed and grateful.

It's finally all coming together!

2011-07-26T07:42:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has been seven months already! Where does the time go. I have spent most of that seven months with some extensive dental surgery. Dr. Golik has been taking care of some bone loss (bone grafts) implants and crowns., All for the foundation of strong teeth, replacement teeth and gums. So it seemed I was having surgery every two weeks. But it has been worth it!. Dr. Golik and the team at Suwannee Dental have been amazing. Every visit, every surgery, every pain they have walked with me. Their care and support has been amazing.

But, when people ask how it is going and can we see a difference yet? I haven't been really able to let them see how amazing the end result is going to be. Dr. Golik has been doing so much of the ground work that is necessary before we can get to the fun stuff. Finally last week I went in for all my impressions for the reveal and next week I will at least get to see a good start of new, beautiful, brilliant teeth. All of it will not be in yet but the crowns will be and that will start the process.

My biggest issue was all my broken teeth that had infection. Now, my teeth feel so strong. All I wanted was to be able to chew and not hurt and I have been so blessed that I have already achieved that goal. The over the top blessing is I will be able to have these beautiful new teeth, strong gums and a brilliant smile to go with it! The "cherry" on top of the ice cream I can now eat is that I have this wonderful team at the dentist that even when I know it is NOT going to be a fun visit, they walk me through it every step of the way. How amazing is all this? For me, a blessing beyond anything I could have imagined.

Next Week

2011-07-22T19:40:00.000-07:00

Next week on Thursday, Dr. Williams will give up his day off to spend a good part of the day removing my old crowns and prepping my teeth for major dental reconstruction. For years I have been self-conscious of the way I look when I close my teeth. It looks like my face collapses and I look years older. I have tried to remember not to put my teeth together as you would in a relaxed position. It has been frustrating. And then there was the feeling that it would always be that way. My husband is a minister and we don't have dental insurance or the funds for extensive dental work. Dr. Williams generous offer to fix my teeth is a wonderful blessing. And the added bonus is that my persistent headaches should end. That will be so wonderful! So I look forward to next Thursday. After months of preparing for this moment, the time is almost here. And what I feel more than anything is gratitude. And not only to Dr. Williams, but his entire staff who have been so kind and supportive and helpful. Thank you. Thank you!!

Anticipation!

2011-07-05T07:02:00.000-07:00

Almost every day I think of the approaching finish of the dental work Dr. Williams and his great team are doing for me. Anticipation is always part of the joy of a gift, kind of like Christmas when you are a child! Wearing the mouth guard gives me an idea of how it will feel not to experience bad headaches and jaw pain on a regular basis. Building up my bite and adding bridges and other dental work is something I wanted, but didn't believe was even a possibility. In our work (my husband is a minister) we try to focus on others, so it is wonderful to be given extensive dental work that we couldn't afford. It is an incredible gift and I especially want others to know what a giving person Dr. Williams is to the community and what a competent professional he is in his work. It would be great if other professionals gave back as he does. He does mission work as well as this effort to provide dental work for individuals who couldn't otherwise have it done. So as the time approaches to complete my dental work, I am very excited and grateful.

Ready For The New Smile Test Drive

2011-05-23T19:54:00.001-07:00

I see our Deserving Divas coming into the office on a regular basis now as Dr. Smith and Dr. Golik work on their special areas with each Diva. The progress of each is amazing and it was so good to get a great big hug today from Shefjie! She is looking soooooo, Good!

Soon, when we get back from our mission trip to Kenya in June, it will be time for our next Deserving Diva, Nancy Reaves, to see just what her new smile will look like. She has been diligently wearing a TMJ mouthpiece, called a Neuromuscular MORA (mandibular orthopedic repositioning appliance) for the past six months to "prove" that the new bite position which we diagnosed in the beginning will actually be comfortable to her and allow her jaw muscles to function at optimum health and wellness.

We will have a laboratory "mockup" of her new smile at the new bite position. Remember, she had a very collapsed bite, a deep bite that gave her a "grandma" look, a look as if she had no teeth at all. Her wrinkles in her face when she closed her teeth together made her appear a much older lady than she actually was. Now that she has been wearing her TMJ appliance, she not only feels better but she looks better. Not only are her headaches gone....so are her "age wrinkles"!

Yes, Nancy is in for a big day, a test drive of her new smile. Stay tuned for some reports on just how well she likes what she sees.

The process is long but so worth it!

2011-05-04T08:52:00.000-07:00

Sunday, after church, we stopped in a restaraunt to get a bite to eat. When my family and I sat down you will never believe who we saw? Dr. WIlliams. What a treat. He has not had the chance to meet my family and they were so thrilled to meet him. Olivia was just gushing how much she was so happy about my progress with all the dentistry work. My family is really starting to see the changes, not just in my mouth but also my stress level has gone way down. What a blessing.

Lately I feel like my job is to hang out up at Suwanee Dental, LOL. I have been back and forth to see Dr. Golick this last month for so many things to get ready for my implants next week. We have lasered my gums, we have whitened my teeth ( I will not even tell you how many shades lighter they are) and we have cleaned, cleaned and cleaned my gums. But, oh so worth it. If I didn't get anything else done with my teeth I would be happy. I can't tell you how much better they feel. How much easier it is to eat and not always have that aching feeling in your mouth.

But, next week is the big day! I get those implants started and well, I am sure I will not be able to talk too much for a bit. But of course I always think the worst and it seems that it is not as bad as I build it up to be. One day I went home and just knew my mouth was going to hurt for a week but by the next day I was back to normal. It is really starting to take the worry out of going to the dentist for sure. Their new techniques and medicines really help ease the pain and worry. So going to the dentist can be fun and exciting. I know it was for me when they whitened my teeth. WOW.

Well, I will update after the big surgery next week and I want to thank all the staff at Suwanee Dental. They make you feel special and cared for every time you go in. They are the best in my book.

Barb King

Update

2011-05-01T10:27:00.000-07:00

This past week I went in to have DR. Williams give me an idea of the work they would be doing. I was asked to select a set of teeth that appealed to me and the color. Wow! What an opportunity! I feel so blessed. I will be gone for a month. My husband and I will be doing mission work in England. So when I return and Dr. Williams returns from his mission trip it will be full stream ahead. Yeah! Appreciate so much this opportunity to have my teeth fixed by someone so capable!

This Makeover Process is TRULY life-changing

2011-04-27T09:56:00.000-07:00

I wanted to "officially" and a little lately, welcome all of the 2011 Divas. Being a part of the Deserving Diva Foundation is such an honor. The divine connections and associations are straight form heaven. Our deeds are not always noticed and acknowledged here on earth. But Dr Bill and the team at Suwanee Dental are doing a bit of the rewarding.
Ladies, I promise you, the mere ability to smile in public without worry, is so FREEING. I joked that I needed a class to teach me how to smile without looking like a psychopath, because I has never truly smiled before. I can tell you though...I think I have it down now.

I can't wait to meet you all in person. The class of 2010 welcomes you to "Deserving Divas"

Just Thinkin' :)

2011-03-22T13:48:00.000-07:00

Today I was just thinking how blessed I am and obviously being chosen as a Deserving Diva immediately came to mind. Long-term pain, even if moderate, can be depressing. The prospect of having my TMJ problems addressed and solved sounds almost too good to be true. You know how it is when you wait so long for something that you actually learn to live with it and expect to continue to deal with it...so you adjust. Now I am having to adjust to the idea of having this incredible amount of dental work done. Nice problem, Right? Headaches have been a part of my life for too long, but I'm ready to say "Adios" to them. And besides the TMJ problems being fixed, my teeth will look much nicer too. Life is good. :)

A Note from Nancy

2011-03-15T13:52:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Cumming, Georgia! Today completed my second visit to Suwanee Dental Care since being chosen as a Deserving Diva. It is like getting a huge Christmas present and waiting for the big reveal. I am so excited to think that my TMJ problems are finally going to be fixed by such a capable individual as Dr. Williams. I have had headaches for as long as I can remember. It was common to wake up with my jaws hurting and a numbing headache dulling my enthusiasm for the day. So many folks have headaches and just aren't aware that it could be due to dental problems or dental abnormalities that could be fixed. Modern dental care is amazing and Suwanee Dental care has the latest state of the art equipment. I went there a few years ago with my father to have some much needed dental work done for my mother who is in late stage Alzheimer's disease. They were so efficient and kind to her. I was dreading taking her, but through sedation dentistry it was simple and easy and she slept through the whole process. I told my Dad that if I could ever have my dental work done, I would choose Suwanee Dental Care. And wonder of wonders, here I am and privileged to be having an extensive amount of dental work done by Dr.Williams and his friendly, competent staff. Wouldn't it be great if other dentists and doctors of medicine followed his example and provided needy or deserving patients with such a wonderful gift? I love the "pass it on" philosophy of life and have tried to give back when I can. Dr. Williams does that and it is encouraging to see a professional think of others. So now I have begun the journey and before long the dental work I've needed to prevent headaches will be done. Isn't that great? I am so grateful ....and excited!

God works Miracles in Dentistry

2011-03-10T07:56:00.001-08:00

Hi, this is Barb,

I have been quiet a bit waiting on someone else to post. Yeah! Shefjie! I also wanted to "meet" the other diva's. They did a great story on all of us on Saturday. I loved hearing about Shefjie and Nancy. Their stories of devotion to their families was so touching and so giving. Some very beautiful stories and such an honor to see such giving women. I am so thankful to be in their company.

I am also excited about my dental work so far. Though, pulling my teeth was not a joy at all the after effect was phenomenal. I had so much infection that it was really driving my diabetes up. All this time my doctors thought I was insulin resistant. I have been on so much insulin it seemed crazy. What a small price, a little pain, for such a huge gift. Once the healing process began my sugar started getting more and more in the normal range. Within three weeks it is almost completely normal all day long.

I have heard before to take care of your teeth that it can affect your health but I did not realize what it could really do. I have always been to the dentist until Olivia became ill and needed her transplants about 10 years ago. That is really when the trouble began. It started with one root canal that went bad and my teeth went down hill from there. There is some damage to my nerves that cannot be reversed from diabetes but just this one procedure has been the biggest blessing and miracle that God could bestow on me.

Deserving Diva 2011 S. Lika

2011-03-03T18:02:00.000-08:00

OK so I am new to blogging and new to anything in life being about me. I have officially started the process of correcting my smile. While I have wanted to blog since I learned that I have won I didn't know what to say, I wasn't even sure how I was feeling. I watched the video on youtube ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6pGGSqC_dU&feature=autofb ) over and over again and still can't believe that I am a "Deserving Diva" . While I feel blessed and very grateful I continuously find myself struggling with accepting what Dr.Williams said to me "God is shinning on you" . I have mentally removed myself from my own life while going through the motions of being a mother,a friend, a paraprofessional etc. This is more than a win for me this is more like an opportunity to grow, an invitation for me to re-enter my own life.

Our Third Deserving Diva, Shefije!

2011-02-11T08:06:00.000-08:00

Shefije, definitely a Deserving Diva you want to meet!

We met Shefije last year through our Diva Nominations but it was just not quite her time. Little did she know, we never forgot who she was or what she does! When we received even more nominations for Shefije in 2011, we were convinced that this was the year she would get her smile back. She is a single mother of five children and this is what some say about her “Beyond her own family, Shefije is a warm, kind, supportive presence to many children and adults in our community. She is that mom who makes it to three class parties all at the same time and, somehow, helps to make all the parties better, by her help and by her spirit. For no special reason, Shefije commits small acts of kindness or gratitude for teachers and kids. Or, she shows up with needed school supplies. In seeing her interact in the cafeteria, hallways, and meetings, it’s clear that she is a true friend to many in our community. It is obvious that she knows and cares about what is happening in the families in our school. Shefije doesn’t have a lot of material things. What she has, she shares. Generously. She gives all that she can, all of the time.” Melissa Faulkner Snellville,GA. We are so excited that Shefije is a part of our 2011 Deserving Diva Makeover contest. We couldn’t ask for a better group of deserving ladies this year.
Stay tuned for more updates!

More about our Deserving Diva Nancy!

2011-02-09T12:23:00.000-08:00

This photo is off Nancy with Dr. Williams as she called her husband to tell him the good news!

Nancy lives in Cumming where she and her husband Pastor a church. Nancy is a full time caretaker (for the last 7 years) to her mother who has stage 4 Alzeimers. Their son has been a missionary in Mexico where Nancy takes frequent mission trips to supply shoes, clothing and Bibles to needy people. Her heart is to bless those in need in any situation she can. She recieved Alzheimer’s Caregiver of the year in 2008 from a local radio station due to the extraordinary job she does caring for her parents. She teaches classes through their church and as a couple, her and Brownlee also do marriage counseling. They also started a congregation in Midtown Atlanta. Nancy teaches Bible Classes to teens concerning marriage and adulthood. Nancy has also written a book for teens about choosing a mate for life Brownlee and Nancy never turn anyone away that is in need. They have opened their house over and over to complete strangers and provided a place for them to live until they could get on their feet.

We are so excited to begin treatment with Nancy, she is truly a Deserving Diva. Check out our facebook page: Deserving Diva Foundation

Stay tuned for blogs from each of our Diva's as they embark on this new journey!

My First Appointment --Barbara King

2011-02-03T07:52:00.001-08:00

I went in this week for my first appointment and for them to give me their assessment and what will be done. I am going to leave that a mystery until the reveal but all I am going to say is that I was overwhelmed. I can't wait for you to know and see all that is going to be done. I can already feel a difference in my teeth from my first cleaning. WOW. My first appointment was a consultation and periodontal cleaning.

When I walked in the office I already knew and expected what a periodontal cleaning would be like. I had to have that deep cleaning done when Olivia was little. In fact, after it was done back then I swore never to return to that awful place because the pain was so excruciating. So I had steeled myself to be ready for the worst and boy was I surprised. Jennifer took such great care with my teeth and took her time. I did not have any of the pain and she worked ferociously on my teeth. I knew for sure that for days my gums and teeth were going to be in a state of pain and soreness. But to my surprise, I had a little discomfort but it was fabulous. She sent me home on a daily routine and I have been more than happy to keep it up.

So now I am waiting on my second appointment but it has really changed some things in me. I have had to see myself, really look at myself, something I have not done in a long while. I have forgotten about me and taking care of me. So, this has also put me back into exercising and that did have pain to it. But, it feels good. It feels like I am taking back a little bit of control in my world of chaos.

I have spent the last ten years juggling my life from the hospital to trying to have a normal one. Olivia has fought hard going through two transplants and so much that comes with Cystic Fibroses and Diabetes as well. I have seen her grow into a beautiful young lady and now she needs me to get back that energy and self confidence I had long ago so when she is finally better from this transplant…well, you just never know how much fun our family can have.

Have a great week

Barb

Deserving Diva--Barbara King

2011-02-01T09:19:00.001-08:00

I am sitting here in the quiet, well mostly quiet, trying to gather my thoughts on how overwhelmed I am at winning this award. If you have ever been that person that never wins anything, I would be it. So to be honored with this award and opportunity has it's impact in just that I won. But, as I came to realize the process of how the person is chosen, the nominations that were sent in, the heartfelt friends that I have, I am more overcome with awe than before.

I also, through this process had some time to get to know the staff at Suwanee Dental Care. When I walked into the building for the first time I had no idea what to expect. But as I met the staff, walked around the offices I was amazed at how professional but also how much care everyone expressed. I marveled at the wall that holds many, many pictures of mission trips that are taken to help others in poverty stricken countries. As I took it all in I realized that it wasn't a hard stretch to see why this office was holding this contest for the Deserving Diva Makeover. The heart of the staff and Doctors was evident throughout the building.

My last appointment was last week to go in for what we thought was a final evaluation. My week had already been so crazy because Olivia is in the hospital at Egleston. I had to get my Stepmom to meet me downtown, rush to Suwanee and then do a video interview. I was so rushed and worried about being on time I did not have time to really think about this video interview I was supposed to participate in. I just knew I was going to mess the whole thing up in my rush.

In reality it was an interview and then the announcement. Dr. Williams had some final "questions" and was the one who told me I won. I remember being so nervous and thinking I hope I am answering all these questions correctly then all of sudden the questions became the announcement. Wow. I can't remember being so caught off guard and so shocked in all my life. I was able to call my husband and my daughter to hear both of them squeal and yell with excitement because of all people, they knew what this means to me and most of all my mouth. In fact, all weekend every few minutes we would all say "hey Mom, you are getting your teeth fixed, woohoo".

I can say that I definitely had the need to get a dental makeover. Time and finances have taken a toll on my teeth over the last few years. So, when I eat, go out to eat with friends or talking with colleagues and friends I am constantly aware of my mouth. I have hid the pain, the suffering and the damage for years. It has taken another toll as well, on my diabetes and my health. I have prayed for the last couple of years for a way to at least get the essentials done. It is amazing to me how God had a plan and the plan not only included the essentials but also to have a full makeover so my whole mouth will have a renewed look and solid foundation for my teeth for a long time.

It is so hard to conceive still that I won. It seems so surreal. But, I am so thankful, so honored and so blessed to be a part of this process words cannot convey how I truly feel.

Barbara King, a Truly Deserving Diva

2011-01-31T12:39:00.000-08:00

Barbara King, how do you start writing about such an incredible woman? She is the type of lady that you meet and she makes a lasting impression on your heart. We were touched by this woman from her first nomination and as they kept pouring in, we were more and more convinced that she was just the person to be one of our Deserving Diva’s in 2011.

She is a business owner, teacher, care giver, volunteer and Mother to a daughter of 14 who has been battling Cystic Fibroses her whole life. Barbara is also on the board of advisors at Egleston where her daughter Olivia has been spent more days last year then at home.

Barbara is a caring, giving person who is very involved in her church. The people that know her the best say that she is a light in their lives and you would never know that she has been under such stress. We agree that Barbara is a bright and joyful person who understand the meaning of giving back in it’s truest sense.

Congratulations Barbara! You are truly Deserving! Watch for more updates from Barbara and our other 2 Deserving Diva’s in 2011.

Suwanee Dental Care
www.suwaneedental.com
770-614-7300

Meet your 2011 Deserving Divas!

2011-01-28T13:22:00.000-08:00

Meet Nancy Reaves! She is one of our 3 Deserving Divas! Yes, that's right, we are going to have 3 ladies this year! We got to tell Nancy yesterday that she will be the recipient of a smile makeover this year! Nancy won the caregiver of the year award as she is the full time caregiver for her mother who is in the 4th stage of alzeimers. Nancy, like Dr. Williams and his wife, takes regular mission trips overseas to give back internationally. She is the wife of a minister and they currently pastor a church in Cumming. What a wonderful lady!

Our 2nd Deserving Diva this year is Barbara King! Barbara has an incredible story and we are honored to have the opportunity to give her the smile she has always wanted. She has been an incredible pillar in the community and has been a great source of strength for her family. With a wonderful daughter who is cystic fibrosis, they spend more days in the hospital then at home. You would never know it when you meet Barbara, she is a bright star.

Last but certainly not least we have Shefije Lika.. a single mother of five incredible kids. Shefije had so many people nominate her, they told us she is so deserving of this and after meeting her, we think so too. She has given back to her community whether it's by working with Autistic kids, tutoring the underprivileged she is committed to teaching kids life skills.

We are proud to announce to you the three ladies we will be giving a smile makeover this year. We can't wait to share their stories, bios, videos, blogs and more! Stay tuned for updates on your Deserving Diva's of 2011! Check our "Deserving Diva" facebook page!

Where it all began..

2011-01-28T09:39:00.000-08:00

The Deserving Diva Makeover Contest was founded in 2009 by Dr. Bill Williams of Su wanee Dental Care. He was looking for a way to give back by rewarding the women in our community who are exemplary but also have a great need for dental care. The first year, after several small announcements, hundreds of nominations poured in. With such an overwhelming response, in 2010, Dr. Williams granted 4 women the chance to have the smile they always dreamed of. With dramatic makeover results that changed the lives of Debra Montgomery, Patti Shiver, Gwendolyn Richardson and Heather Trompke, Dr. Williams whole heartedly made the decision to yet again accept nominations for a Deserving Diva. With yet again, hundreds of nominations pouring in, Dr. Williams has narrowed down his search for the Deserving Diva of 2011 by these criteria:

A pillar in the local community
Ability to have the work performed
A severe dental need

“This is one of the most difficult yet rewarding in my career as a dentist” said Dr. Williams. After reading through hundreds of nominations and narrowing it down to ten, Dr. Williams, Dr. Smith and Dr. Golik are ready to announce the Suwanee Dental Care 2011 Deserving Diva...

Stay Tuned!

Cauble Center update on Heather and Patti

2010-08-11T06:04:00.000-07:00

We are weeks away from the unveiling and all is going according to plan. Patti is healing from some of her procedures and Patti I need to see you soon for pictures and whatever.

Heather is perking along. She begins Zerona on Wednesday ( it was to be today but was longer in Dr. Bill’s chair than we anticipated. I did forewarn Dr. Bill she had juvederm in her lips and to go easy today. I hope he was gentle, Heather! So the Zerona is a laser body slimming to allow the fat to come out of the cells and move through the lymphatic’s to be eliminated from the body. Heather is looking great. She got the WOW factor from her husband when she put on a bathing suit she had not been in since last summer. Anyone who sees her or talks to her please encourage her to walk 20-30 minutes a day. This is sooo important with this procedure.

Everyone have a great week and see you soon.

Cheney Davis

New Smile!!

2010-08-10T17:11:00.000-07:00

The kids are now back in school, and I celebrated by spending the day at Suwanee Dental!! Things have been BEYOND hectic. But I had to share---The four + hours in Dr Bill's chair yesterday were SO WORTH IT!!! Even though these are only the temporary crowns, I can now see my new smile.
THANK YOU!!!!

Deserving Diva Update

2010-07-28T05:57:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege of spending some time with two of our Suwanee Dental Care Deserving Diva's last week, Patti and Debra. We shot an update video with Innova One Productions to be featured on Atlanta Home and Style TV. It was amazing to hear the life change that has been birthed out of this smile makeover contest. We know that a new smile can make a huge impact on someone's life and we see that every day in the eyes of our patients. To hear the stories of these ladies from the begging and each step of the way on a more in depth level is incredible. Patti had her sedation visit several weeks ago. She was prepped for veneers and crowns and had temporary crowns placed on her teeth for the healing process. As Dr. Smith creates the smile Patti has always wanted, her temporaries are still pretty incredible. She was so impressed she joked with us and said "please don't take the these teeth off!". Debra is going to end up with implant supported dentures. Her story is incredible! As a survivor of domestic violence she had to have what teeth she had left extracted. She already has her implants placed and dentures that she is wearing. Right now, during the healing process of her implants, the dentures are not yet attached. It's looking like both of these ladies will be finishing up in August along with Gwendolyn and Heather. Just in time for our Diva Party with Gwinnett Magazine August 28th!

From The Desk of Gwendolyn

2010-07-20T09:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Everyone,
This was from the first day I walked out of the office with my braces. I was so very blessed and happy. “ Oh how God has blessed me with a new page in my life. Thank you Dr. Williams and thank and everyone at Suwanee Dental-H e a v e n l y Care,” home of the best dentist in the world!
Have a great day!

Gwendolyn

Patti Gets a Virtual Smile Makeover!

2010-07-20T09:04:00.001-07:00

Patti Virtual Smile Makeover

All four of our Deserving Diva's recently had a "virtual smile makeover". This an incredible service we offer our patients who can't quit picture what their smile will look like after a full 21 Point Smile Analysi s and treatment recommendations. With virtual smile makeovers, we have the ability to choose the same options as we do when we create the look you want. Whether is be the shape of the teeth or the shade you desire, we can create a close effect with virtual smile makeovers.

Botox and Juvederm-OH MY!!

2010-06-24T19:22:00.000-07:00

So, we have started the fillers.
Last week we did some Botox in my forehead. There wasn't pain or discomfort, just a pressure headache for a few days. I can tell there are less crevices already. WOO HOO!! Today we did the first injection of Juvederm. This involved a dental block before the injections began. I although I felt like a character from Dr Seuss's Grinch That Stole Christmas; I didn't look like it. So, besides some redness and minimal swelling, it was fine. Cheney said I should expect some bruising and swelling for a day or so.
I am still so humbled that I was deemed deserving of such a gift as this makeover. God loves me so much and His servants being willing to demonstrate that love is...well humbling!!
The body sculpting is continuing too. Cheney and I both are doing our parts. I am drinking my water and making wiser food choices. After a few weeks of a broken toe and not being able to wear tennis shoes, I am walking and on the elliptical again. My morning weight is down another few pounds and my clothes are fitting differently-better. We will do more measurements next week I believe.

Cauble Center Update

2010-06-16T10:58:00.000-07:00

From Cheney Davis at the Cauble Center for Skin Care:

Hope everyone is well. I have had my first appointment with Patti and I was pleased at how well it went. She was somewhat apprehensive having no experience with aesthetics. When we finished she said on her way out “ this was fun”. Aesthetics at the Cauble Center are fun. You look great and it’s all healthy! Heather is always in great form. I got to meet Josh today ( her oldest). AS we continue to work on her back for the month of June her true form is slowly emerging. There is definite curve in her waist now and she is able to see and feel her ribcage. She also made a goal weight today that she says she hasn’t seen since her last baby!! How awesome is that? We talked about lymphatic’s today. We all have this system. It’s basically the garbage collection system for the body. My job with the lipodissolve and CDT and shortly with Zerona is to take the fat out of the cell. In essence making a grape into a raisin. It’s her job to provide the avenue to get rid of the garbage. So water to keep the river full and flowing and massage to keep the lymphatic’s moving. She will begin doing this after every other session or so.

Happy Fathers Day weekend to all of you. Cheney

Cheney Davis

cheneydavis7263@comcast.net

What a gift God's healing is

2010-06-12T04:49:00.000-07:00

There have been some interesting things going on:

I had an ortho check with Dr. Bill. He seems pleased with the way my teeth are literally coming together. When he stares at my teeth, I know he is in pure artist mode...but the look on his face gets intense! He was creating and visualizing the end product right then and there. It is going to be AMAZING!!

This week I also saw Cheney. We have lost multiple inches. She will blog about the details of this. But, we were both giddy, (and I very much relieved). The members of this team are all invested at different levels. There is only so much that Cheney's work can do if I were to sit on my fanny and do nothing. I have to work out and eat right. So, it was great to see that TOGETHER we are making progress. Did I mention I broke my toe a two weeks ago? So, the working out has been derailed a bit. There is something so very wrong about something as small as a toe hurting SO much. But, it is time now to tape them all together if I have to and get back to walking/working out.

The other biggest thing I have been experiencing is not about the makeover at all. But, it demonstrates how good God is and how much healing has taken place in my life. So, I guess it is time to lay out the quick synopsis of one of my life journeys. I am not going to give the devil a foothold by laying out gory details. But rather an overview to show God's goodness. AS A MOM-I ASK THAT THIS NOT BE DISCUSSED WITH MY KIDS-ALLOW ME TO COVER THAT ASPECT PLEASE.
I met my first husband at the age of 19, at church. He told me two weeks before the wedding that he had a drug addiction. So, I can imagine that your question would be, how could I not have known? Anyone that knew him at the time can attest, it wasn't obvious. His teeth were perfect, skinny would not describe him, he worked... The devil is the master deceiver! So, two weeks before the wedding, I thought-God is good, He can do anything, we can deal with this together. Well, for 8 years off and on, there wasn't much "working together". There were lies, stealing, jail, poverty, court dates, abuse, a tons of treatment centers... it was not a good or fun experience. There were highs among the numerous lows. I have three amazing kids that I wouldn't trade for the world. We left that marriage 8 years ago. This left me a single mom of three kids while I worked, went to college and took care of them with the help of my family. During the last 8 years my ex didn't talk or see the kids, I had his rights terminated 3 years ago. We never knew where he was and I was more than OK with that. But, there was no closure, no final break.
Fast forward to yesterday- My Father-in-law (the ex's Dad) passed away this week. I have always honored and respected my Father-in-law. He was an amazing example of God in how he cared for his family, never turning his back on any of them. A stranger wouldn't cross his path. So, funeral yesterday. The need to pay respects to PawPaw outweighed knowing that my ex was going to be there. So, I put on my Big Girl panties and went into an extremely uncomfortable situation.
Here comes the gift-when my ex came in, it was uncomfortable of course. But, over the course of the day we were able to talk. He has been clean for almost three years and is in a good church body with an active support system. I was able to let him know that I forgave him, and asked his forgiveness for things I said and did. I told him that the things we went through helped to make us the people we are today. We talked about God's grace, mercy and forgiveness, but also that there are consequences to our actions. The gift was that there wasn't anger towards him. It is not my place to judge. And by no means would I ever think that the miracles God has done in my life couldn't possibly be done in my ex's life. Being able to ask for and give forgiveness allowed me to move on.
Don't hold onto things that have happened to you in the past. Use those things to motivate you to move onward and upward.
PLUS--I got to see my family. Family shouldn't stop with divorce. I have a sister, nieces, nephew and more that I now feel comfortable having back in my life-ANOTHER GIFT!!

Suwanee Dental Care Diva Interview

2010-06-04T08:08:00.000-07:00

Mission Trip Fundraising Time!!!

2010-05-24T11:37:00.000-07:00

North Star Pastoral Ministries
608 Teresa Lane
Grand Prairie, Texas 75052

Dear North Star friends and supporters:

It is with immense excitement I write to you regarding our forthcoming trips. We have been invited by Harvest Ministries and Bishop Beresford Gage to repeat our women’s event in Kingston this year. As most of you are aware, with your support, we were able to bus 219 ladies in from Spanish Town, Jamaica to the Hilton Hotel in Kingston in May 2009 for a time of personal ministry and encouragement.

Each lady, (many for the very first time in their lives) was treated to a formal luncheon, a fashion show and tremendous time of ministry. Each attendee then chose an article of clothing and received a welcome gift bag. We have had so many testimonies regarding the life changing time of renewal as we presented “High Heels In High Places….Turning Pain Into Power.”

September 23 through 28th, we will again host up to 250 lovely Jamaican women at the Grand Ballroom at the Pegasus Hotel and Resort in Kingston, Jamaica. In order to make the trip more economical, we are combining this event with the Trinidad “High Heels In High Places” event. Pastor KK Bachew’s beautiful church, Faith Assembly in Five Rivers, has offered to host the event in Trinidad this year. Apostle Andrew Ramjattan and Bishop Joshua Hosein will also be supporting these meetings by encouraging all the women under their coverings to attend. We are easily expecting over 1,000 Trinidad ladies.

As this event is scheduled for September 29th through October 4th, our team of over 14 powerful ministers will fly directly to Port of Spain, Trinidad from Kingston, Jamaica, and then return to the United States. The team will be gone for 11 days. Every day will be filled to capacity with ministry opportunities for all of us.

We are asking you to cover us in prayer, and to consider a financial offering to help meet our budget of $2600.00 per person traveling with us. This includes airfare to both countries and home again, all hotel and food and ground transfers. It also includes the cost of busing the ladies to our Jamaica event, and the food budget for them.

All donations should be made payable to North Star Ministries, and are fully tax deductible. The mailing address is listed above. Thank you in advance for your prayers and support, as this trip wouldn’t be possible without friends like you.

Love,
Pastor Sandy Ward

When you are walking in your purpose...work can be a good thing

2010-05-21T22:27:00.000-07:00

Many people have called me a workaholic-telling me to slow down-relax-recharge-find things that make me happy and to take time for those things.
Here is the irony…God has opened doors for me to do the things that make me happy-with amazing, precious, successful, movers & shakers for His Kingdom AS MY JOB!! I am happiest when running around a property working out the details for another awesome event-or just selling T-shirts for one of my clients. That is what God wired me for!

As the Community Outreach Director of Way of Life Community Church; I interact with the people of Tyrone and the surrounding area. We reach out to them whether it is Shop With A Cop, Thanksgiving Dinners, making goodie bags for the women’s shelter, overseeing the town Easter Egg Hunt, or planning and carrying out our baby-the Annual Back To School Bash. Is it a lot of work? YOU BET!! But when you see the kids’ smiles when they can’t carry the book bags filled with school supplies they just got free or the look of gratitude on the parent’s faces…IT IS SO WORTH IT!!!!

As Events Coordinator for NorthStar Pastoral Ministries, I work with the Directors on multiple international missions trips, training classes, retreats and conferences each year. I am part of a growing network of people and resources from all over the world. I travel with these people reaching and teaching thousands of people. Is it taxing? Sure it is. But the relationships, the wisdom of the team, the reactions of the attendees, being able to speak into people’s lives…IT IS SO WORTH IT!!!

As Manager of Global Accounts with HelmsBriscoe, much of my client base is the “Religious Market”. I don’t like that word! I work with ministries, speakers, recording artists, producers, etc. whose day to day work is furthering the Kingdom and spreading the Gospel. I am able to help them get the best deals on hotel and meeting space-FOR FREE! It cost them nothing to tap into the buying power and experience HB brings them. Plus-I am able to bring savings to their overall program. There are connections with properties and vendors worldwide that my clients may not have access to otherwise, AT NO COST TO THEM. Again-frustrating? At times. BUT SO WORTH IT!!

So the same things that frustrate and wear on me also recharge and revive me. Add in time with my hubby and kids, the occasional pedicure/massage and pure girl time with these same friends I work with, and I am good.
Thank you God, You are so good to me!!

Update from Cheney of the Cauble Center

2010-05-13T05:26:00.000-07:00

Heather and I have had a real reality check over the past few weeks. I think she mentioned the pictures and measurements.

It‘s hit home for me too only in a different way. We have a huge commitment and will need to be diligent with our treatments to see this through. I think Heather is up for this. I know I am. Every day we do a car boxy treatment or another lipodissolve we’re closer to the goal and making her healthier in the bargain.

We’re chipping away on her upper and lower abs. I can always see progress before my client’s can and this is no exception. All the change is good! There is a limit ( 2 liters) of CO2 we can use per treatment session so I’m saving a few hundred cc’s at the end to continue to sculpt her arms. We don’t want to lose any of the progress we’ve made.

I’ve also started her on the Image line of skin care this month. She has had her second microdermabrasion treatment so now the daily prep per the products to keep and continue the repair. I love the Image line and have decided on two of the lines for Heather. She, like most of us, have combination skin. Her cleanser, eye cream and masque are the Ageless line. Her skin will now get on a daily basis a wonderful infusion of glycolic acid to build collagen and elastin. For her day and night cream and sunscreen I chose the Ormedic line. This is a fantastic way to nourish and also repair using ingredients like mango shea butter, grape seed extract, Japanese green tea and apricot oil( almost sounds good enough to eat!). So her skin will soon have the radiance to reflect the health.

Let Heather know your thoughts on how things are going. She will never look the same again!!!

Cheney Davis

cheneydavis7263@comcast.net

O-SO-Motivated!!!

2010-05-06T11:45:00.000-07:00

For anyone looking for the best motivation to exercise and eat right-----pictures and measurements. Enough said, but I will go on:

Yesterday Cheney and I started on a new area-my upper and lower abs, or as I say-my gut. After 4 pregnancies and spending most of my life WELL over 200 pounds; I rarely leave the house without what Cheney refers to as "my armor" aka-spandex, ribbing, Lycra, gut sucker, whatever works for you.
Well, I did come in without my gut sucker on yesterday. Before we started Cheney asked me what was wrong. We were about to start another emotional journey. I know, you may be thinking "Will they ever end?" ME TOO!!! My face is always out there. My arms, I can wear sleeves that cover if I like, or get brave if the mood strikes. But my belly...that is another story. My husband, and my baby doctors are the only ones that see that. Then, if I wasn't uncomfortable enough--we then proceeded to take pictures and measurements.

OK, enough whining. My point is that this discomfort has motivated me to kick myself in the rear. I have pulled my elliptical out of the corner, increased my water even more, and thought more about what I am putting in my mouth. A phrase I have quoted many times over the past few years is "If you are comfortable, you won't change". There was a study done with frogs and hot water. When the researchers places a frog in a pot of boiling water-the frog immediately jumped out. But, when they placed the frog in the pot with cool water, then slowly increased the heat-the frog sat there until he was boiled alive. He was comfortable and thus didn't move. So, I have been made uncomfortable and I am ready to change and get the best results from this makeover.

Things, they are a movin'

2010-05-04T12:44:00.000-07:00

Like Cheney said, we have begun making progress. I have lost some in both arms and my face is glowing more than before. I have been more attention to what I am eating. I am so glad my teeth are meeting in the back again--yeah SALADS!!!! I sure missed the green stuff when I couldn't chew it. My water intake is above the recommended 64 ounces a day. And I am no longer counting on chasing kids as acceptable exercises. It is hard to create, or re-claim good habits. but, I am making progress.

Like I said, my teeth are meeting in the back again. We have corrected the crossbite in just 6 weeks. How wild is that???? The focus now is the close the hole in the front. I can tell things are moving in there. Just when my little lips got used to the way things were....I am lisping again. BUT IT IS SOOOO WORTH IT!!!!

I am working with new hairstyles as my hair grows out. Today I am rawking the big hair--broke out the hot rollers this morning.

This experience is such a gift. I am reminded that the way I love my kiddos and want to give them things, is just like how God loves me. He gave up His son for me.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY EVERYONE!!!

Update from Cheney Davis at the Cauble Center

2010-05-03T06:14:00.000-07:00

It’s hard to believe April is over and gone. Heather and I have had a very successful month I think. We did her microdermabrasion treatment and her skin is much improved already after two treatments. We continue to work on her arms and we did a set of measurements at the half way mark. She has already lost ½ inch in each arm. How awesome is that? Having worked with body sculpting for quite some time now it never ceases to amaze me how the body wants to keep things in repair and even. Usually when I begin this process with a client one half of the body is larger ( usually the dominant side). As we use the lipo and carbossi the body takes the lead and makes both halves equal. I’m seeing that now with Heather. Her arms will be the same size when we finish all this. In May we move to the upper and lower abs while continuing to work on her arms as well. This will be an entirely differently shaped individual at the unveiling in August. Will keep all of you in the loop. In the meantime please encourage Heather to exercise some. Have a great weekend.

Cheney Davis The Cauble Center for Skin Care.

Cheney Davis

cheneydavis7263@comcast.net

An emotional journey

2010-04-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

So, I had a meltdown the other day and I feel it is important to share because it is an example of what we women do to ourselves sometimes.

Before going to see Cheney last week, I was WAY overwhelmed. The only status I could think to put on my FaceBook was that my juggling act was slipping. There are many hats that I wear everyday-Wife, Mom, Sister, Daughter, Business Owner, Friend, Community Outreach Director with my church... And each of those titles brings its own set of issues and involvements. Planning for the Tyrone Back to School Bash is in full swing (July 31, 2010-Shamrock Park, Tyrone-, more info to come). There are hotel arrangements to be made for two mission trips to Trinidad and Jamaica in late summer, I am helping to plan my 20th high school reunion, then lets talk about the 5 kids at home and all that involves... Is anyone else getting a headache???

So, when I got to Cheney's I told her first thing-I am going to be quiet today. I have to pray and chill. Well, anyone who knows me can understand how hard it is for me to be quiet and still. I was able to talk through some things during my treatments, but I was also able to hear from God. Though my mind was racing 90 miles an hour while I was on the table, I made the effort to listen to what God had to tell me. Here was the biggest revelation-God made me the way I am, and if I know that I have to schedule everything else in my life, IT IS NOT WRONG TO SCHEDULE FAMILY TIME. Duh!!! Instead of trying to be SuperMom and dropping the ball when it comes to my kids while juggling everything else--I will now put them on my calendar and schedule things around THEM.

Then, I also realized that the reason there was so much more frustration than normal with the hotels while planning the mission trips is--We touched the lives of over 200 people in Jamaica last year, and this year is only going to be bigger and better. So OF COURSE the devil is fighting me! There have been smaller meetings with our friends in Trinidad, but this will be the first time the full team comes in--more warfare. We were promised that there would be troubles, trials and tribulations, BUT---"be courageous, for I have overcome the world" John 16:33.

Now, my update on the Diva-doings:
Things are going well with Cheney and the work we are doing. There is no residual pain from any of the procedures we have been doing. The needle pokes are no more intense than a bee sting and will be SOOOO worth it in the long run. Make sure you read her posts! I am really looking forward to wearing sleeveless shirts soon without being so self-conscious.
I go back to see Dr Bill next week for an ortho check. I noticed yesterday that my bite is changing. The teeth that are hitting each other are different than before.
I am trying to be patient and let my hair grow before Revival gets a hold of it, but it is getting quite shaggy.
The glasses are still getting comments from people I meet. As I have said before, I think I wear them more than my contacts and that has NEVER happened before.

I am off to Ohio this weekend for a conference hosted by one of the members of NorthStar Pastoral Ministries. This is the apostolic covering I am the Event Coordinator for and the group that leads the missions trips. I am looking forward to seeing friends and showing them the work in progress.
Once again I am reminded of how blessed I am, and how much God loves me. I get to work with people I respect and honor, doing things that are reaching millions worldwide for the Kingdom, travel the world and touch peoples lives, AND God has given me one of the desires of my heart with this makeover. I get to share His love everyday. Like my Facebook status said yesterday---"God is so good to me!!!"

Deserving Diva's featured in the Gwinnett Daily Post!

2010-04-19T05:49:00.002-07:00

Deserving Diva

2010-04-19T05:49:00.001-07:00

Update from Cheney Davis with The Cauble Center

2010-04-12T06:15:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. Just wanted to give an update on Heathers progress and long range plans. Heather and I are meeting about twice a week and we are firmly entrenched in the body makeover that is well under way. This month we’re working on arms and neck. For me having a client like Heather committed to following my lead and timeline is everything. She is getting results already and will continue to get phenomenal results.

We’re doing three separate procedures over the next four months. Right now Carboxy body sculpting or CDT therapy with lipodissolve is on the table. The CDT is fairly new to the US but has been used extensively in South America and Europe for decades. The medical grade CO2 basically breaks the walls of the fat cells so the fat can move out and go to the liver to be burned or to the kidneys to be excreted while the lipodissolve ( a very simple safe formula I use on myself) liquefies the fat for easy transport. It does all this and builds collagen and elastin too. This process is awesome for those areas that never seem to change even when you hit the gym three times a week or more. We’ll cover all the basic body areas before beginning the Zerona laser body slimming. I just added this to the Cauble Center roster in March and it is most definitely a winner. I have done the series on myself and lost a total of nine inches! Heather will have this in late July and August just prior to the unveiling. During the summer we’ll continue to do microdermabrasion treatments and then botox and some juvederm around Dr. Bill’s schedule.

When clients are on the table and I’m working most will talk and tell me about their day or family or whatever. I have already come to appreciate Heather’s sense of humor and her positive outlook on pretty much everything. Her kids, her job, her body and her community. This is going to be fun!

Cheney Davis The Cauble Center for SkinCare.

Cheney Davis

cheneydavis7263@comcast.net

First Working Visit With Cheney

2010-03-30T10:21:00.000-07:00

After visiting Suwanee Dental yesterday morning for a orthodontics check, I met with Cheney Davis at the Cauble Center. We did a number of treatments. Well, she did a number of treatments-I sat/laid there! I will leave the technical explanations to Cheney, but here is my side:
First, was the microdermabrasion. This was done on my face and neck. The process felt a bit like fine sandpaper or, maybe a rough washcloth, rubbing across my skin.
Then we started the Carbossi Body Sculpting on my face, neck and upper arms. Cheney also used Lipodissolve on my upper arms.
I think the upper arm work is one of the most exciting parts of this experience. It is un-finished business. After losing weight, I still couldn't wear sleeveless things because of the sagging skin. I was a walking example of granny arms, they kept waving after I stopped! There will be before pictures soon. When we measured for the starting-point, my first thought was-there really is a decent muscle under there! And now, everyone else will be able to see it soon.

No part of any of these services we overly painful. There was a mild discomfort with the dermabrasion, but I knew it was getting rid of the dead, gross stuff while stimulating the production of new-fabulous looking skin. The injections involved with both the Carbossi and Lipodissolve ranged from an intense bee sting to not feeling it at all. HONESTLY--there were many I did not even feel. Today, I can faintly see the lines on my neck from the microdermabrasion, and my skin is a bit sensitive. But, I am using the after-care kit Cheney provided and wearing my sunscreen. There are a few small bruises on my arms from the injections.

As I am trekking through this journey, I am also having to address some old mentalities. This isn't just physical, there is TOTALLY an emotional side to this too. I told Cheney yesterday that it is easy to go around the world telling women how amazing they are-that God designed them for wonderful things-they are His princess...But, it is hard sometimes to walk in that myself. I AM BEAUTIFUL NOW, I DESERVE THESE GIFTS AND BLESSINGS.

The road ahead is getting shorter. August is coming up soon-I am truly excited to share with everyone the finished product of the amazing gifts I have been blessed with. STAY TUNED!!!!

Sorry for the delay

2010-03-25T11:26:00.000-07:00

Sorry that it has taken a while for Sugarloaf Eyecare to contribute the blog. We feel really privileged to be participating with Suwanee Dental Care and the other partners in the Deserving Divas program. It has been a month now since Heather came in to see us. My associate, Dr. Christine Laube, was the one who examined Heather's eyes. The eye exam is certainly the necessary part of the process, but it is not the fun part. The fun comes after the exam in choosing frames. Joni and the staff here at Sugarloaf Eyecare are excellent at selecting frames that look fantastic on individual faces. I think everyone would agree that Heather and the staff did a great job at picking out a frame that is fun, fashionable and functional. Just because glasses are necessary does not mean they have to be boring. Make a statement. We have so much to choose from, whether you really want to make a bold statement or a subtle one. Check out our website at www.sugarloafeyecare.com or come by and visit!

Mitch Christensen, O.D.

Cheney Davis from the Cauble Center for Skin Care writes:

2010-03-23T05:44:00.000-07:00

I finally got to meet Heather on March11!

She is delightful and easy to get to know. This was our initial planning session to map out the next few months for her so she would know what to expect. She has never had any esthetic treatments before. So while Dr. Bill fixes the smile I get to fix all the rest. I expected we would do some of the standard things like botox and juvederm but I wasn’t sure what else. In out conversation Heather told me she really wants to do some sculpting and slimming. She lost all that weight and needs to tone and tighten. Our first real appointment is March 29 and we’ll begin her microderm treatments and do one a month. I’ll also start her on an incredible skin care line called Image. The slimming we’ll do in stages. The first treatments will be on her neck, chin and arms. I’ll take before, during and after treatment pictures. This sculpting in specific areas will be with lipodissolve and carboxy. As we get closer to the August reveal date she will have the Zerona body slimming series.. you can check in out at www.findzerona.com. We will also start her botox and juvederm in June and July.
I’m very excited to be part of this amazing contest and to work with all the staff at Suwanee Dental.

More later!

Cheney Davis The Cauble Center for Skin Care. www.caublecenter.com

email cheney@caublecenter.com

More partner love

2010-03-12T11:42:00.000-08:00

I went out to see Cheney Davis at The Cauble Center yesterday, (caublecenter.com). Check out the website to find out the many services provided. But, I have to say--Wowie, Wow, Wow!!!

I continue to be humbled (I know, I will find another word once I find my thesaurus) to be a part of this amazing team. Cheney is truly a tenderhearted, giving woman.
During our consultation, she asked me "If you could wave a magic wand, what would you change?" When I began to rationalize, she told me to stop it!! She wanted me to dream big, despite how unworthy, or undeserving I felt. It is hard to dream about getting things just for me. A majority of my life has been spent being told that I didn't deserve anything nice. Even though I know that God wants me to have it all-that I am His princess-It is hard sometimes to walk in it.
Back to my consult-the plan for the next few months is big and will give significant results. After losing weight and going through 4 pregnancies, things aren't in the same place as God put them. Cheney said she wants to roll the clock back 10 years. I should have reminded her that I didn't like the way I looked 10 years and 100 pounds ago. I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!!

Then, I ran by Ambiance again. The ladies there are so sweet, fun and caring. The store is FULL of cute, fun, and DIVA-LICIOUS things. And I get to have them dress me!!

Things are rolling along with my teeth. They are sensitive, I can only assume because we have gotten the junk off of them. They are healthier, but that layer of junk provided some protection from the sensitivity.

I go back to Suwanee Dental and the Cauble Center on the 29th. Don't forget to watch the CBS Atlanta Better Mornings Show on March 23 @ 5:50 am and throughout the day's news programs for our interview.

SUWANEE SMILES: GBC News Story: Deserving Divas

2010-03-07T11:38:00.000-08:00

SUWANEE SMILES: GBC News Story: Deserving Divas

2010-03-06T15:16:00.000-08:00

Before and Proposed After pics

This is WILD!!!

2010-03-05T14:14:00.000-08:00

Mistie and I placed braces on Heather today after she had her interview with Atlanta's CBS TV show, Better Mornings Show with host Tracye Hutchins. Heather has a bite problem, called a psuedo-class III, where the lower teeth hit the upper incisors and that causes the lower jaw to come forward abnormally when she closes, making it appear that she has a "bulldog bite" or as some say, a "Jay Leno bite". What she actually has is not an over-sized lower jaw, like Leno, but rather a deflecting contact on her tooth in the front that makes her jaw slide forward and just appear to be an underbite, bulldog bite.

We are correcting that with orthodontics....and it will be amazing to see the difference in just a few months. Imagine, a solution for a lifetime of biting off balance in just three or four months! In the photo to the right you can see us applying the blue gel that etches the surface of the tooth which in turn give us the ability to attach orthodontic brackets to the teeth for a period of time.

We also want to let you know that the Atlanta Channel 46 CBS video TV segment has been put on the calendar to air on Tuesday March 23^rd.

^{If all goes as planned it will air during the Better Mornings Atlanta show from 5am till 7am at about 5:50am. And the last ten minutes of each of the following shows… the 12noon, the 4pm the 6pm and the 11pm as well.}

Later that day there will be a link to the story on our website on this page…

http://www.cbsatlanta.com/gooddeeds/index.html

After we place the brackets on the teeth, aligning the slots of the brackets so that the teeth move in the desired direction once the flexible orthodontic wire is placed in the mouth, her teeth will begin to move to the correct position and her underbite will gradually be corrected as the teeth move through the bone. Orthodontics works because teeth move through bone when small, constant pressure is applied to a tooth. The jaw bone actually is resorbed on one side of the tooth and is laid down on the other side as the tooth

literally migrates through the solid bone.

Because the lower teeth are in front of the upper teeth, we needed to bring the lower teeth back. This involved removing one tooth and making the size of the arch smaller, like having a smaller diameter circle in effect, so that the lower arch can fit inside the normal upper jaw. Make sense? Orthodontics is about spacial relationships, geometry and is one of the main reasons high school students have to know that stuff...in case they one day become dentists!

Our Makeover Partners

2010-03-05T13:01:00.000-08:00

I wanted to take the opportunity to once again send love to our makeover partners. I haven't met them all yet, but look forward to getting to know them.

Dr. Williams and Suwanee Dental Care are investing so very much into this process. This is just one more example of the caliber of people involved with the practice. These men and women CONTINUE to sow seed into people all around the world.

I met Joni and the crew over at Sugarloaf Eye Care last week when I went in for my exam. We updated my prescriptions on both glasses and contacts. As soon as I got home this week from traveling, I HAD to go pick up my new glasses. THEY TOTALLY ROCK. I would not have picked purple for myself, but the crew at Sugarloaf Eye Care knew. I LOVE LOVE LOVE THEM!!!

After getting my braces on today, I went to Revival Salon to talk with Jody, my stylist and Josh my colorist. We scoped out a plan for my new do--Can't wait! This is a fun, hip salon. I felt 10 years younger just stepping in the door.

Pamela wasn't in at Ambiance earlier this week, when I stopped by. She is off enjoying some down time-very much deserved I am POSITIVE. But I did walk around the shop. FUN!!!

Next week, I will go meet with Chaney Davis and start on the skin program.

PLEASE--return the favor and send business to these partners. They are giving so much to this project without a thought of what they are getting in return.

2010-03-03T13:26:00.000-08:00

These are from before my transformation began.

2010-03-03T13:17:00.000-08:00

Rockin my new glasses from Sugarloaf Eye Care.

I LOVE our team members!!

What a wild week!

2010-03-01T15:43:00.000-08:00

So, my transformation started last Tuesday. After going over my treatment plan with Angie and an interview for GBC News, Dr. Lorie Miller Stevens (check out her practice at www.qcdental.com), and I spent 4+ quality hours together. There were fillings, lasers, drilling, scaling, tooth pulled, spacers put on and all sorts of fun involved. Dr. Lorie and the staff at Suwanee Dental were very gentle and caring throughout the experience. I left in a bit of pain, but you would too if you had everything I had done! But, it was very minimal.
I then went to Sugarloaf Eye Care for my exam and picked out new glasses--Can't wait to get them this week
Then, I left Wednesday morning to fly to Dallas to meet with the NorthStar Pastoral Ministries Leadership. We had churches represented from all over the US, Jamaica and Trinidad. Some of my Diva nominations came from these leaders. I was honored and humbled to being able to spend time with these amazing men and women of God and look forward to visiting Guyana, Trinidad and Jamaica this year on mission trips. Now, I am in Nashville with my HelmsBriscoe team. I was overjoyed to share with all of my friends this past week the upcoming transformation. They are almost as excited as I am.
The fun continues on Friday. We are pulling another tooth and putting on braces. Woo Hoo!!

Our latest article in Gwinnett Magazine Announcing the Deserving Diva's!

2010-02-25T08:26:00.000-08:00

Day 1 of Diva Dental Work

2010-02-23T05:09:00.001-08:00

So, today starts the work on my Deserving Diva makeover.
Wouldn't you just know that I wake up with eye issues. No contacts are hitting these eyeballs today. I am so glad today includes an appointment with our Diva Partners at Sugarloaf Eye Care.

I am excited to have the big picture laid out today as we review the dental treatment plan and get things going. There is a lot to be done in a short amount of time, but I am SOOOOO up for it! That may change after they start pulling teeth. Just kidding. I continue to be humbled to be a part of this endeavor. It is truly an honor. I will let everyone know how things go today. ALL ABOARD--Lets Go!!!

Tomorrow the fun begins!!

2010-02-22T11:46:00.000-08:00

The fun begins bright and early in the morning. 8:30 am brings on the treatment plan for the next 6 months at Suwanee Dental. We have media interviews to spread the news about the entire "Deserving Diva Makeover" team and program. Then, we start the work. From what I already know, there is a good bit of disease so there will be a full-mouth scaling and debriment and at least one tooth pulled tomorrow. After I am done at the dentist, I am then going to Sugarloaf Eye Care, another one of the team members for my eye exam and consultation. I am so excited to get the ball rolling. Jump on board, the ride is about to begin!!!

"You are my inspiration"

2010-02-22T08:28:00.000-08:00

Those words were said to me yesterday at church.
There is a friend of mine that attended church with me around 10 years ago. We both have daughters the same age, we lived similar lives. Over the years, we went separate ways. About 6 months ago, she started attending Way of Life in Tyrone with me again. That first week, she came in after service started and we didn't get a chance to talk until after the service. Her first response is "Who are you?" in a state of shock. What she was saying is that the person I am today is so very different than who I was 10 years ago. Not just physically, but also in my demeanor. I absolutely was not the one to get on the stage making announcements, talking about our community involvement and cracking jokes.
I spoke at a conference a few weeks ago about whose words are you going to believe--what people say about you, or what God says. My friend was not able to attend, but listened to the CD last weekend. I was real and raw with what I have gone through and how God has brought me through. So, when the friend came into church yesterday, her response was "You are my inspiration" It was humbling to once again be reminded that my life is not just about me. I am a vessel that God pours through. My friend was ministered to just because I was willing to open some old scars and give God the glory for where I am today.

WOW--I am humbled

2010-02-18T04:35:00.001-08:00

Hello everyone!!--My name is Heather Trompke and I am one of the 2010 Deserving Divas.

I have been so humbled throughout the selection process. It blows my mind to think of the more than 250 nominations, that I was chosen to be a part of this makeover.

Let me tell you a bit about myself and my life. I am 30-something, with 6-yes 6-kids. My husband and I met on eharmony.com almost 7 years ago. Matt lived in Idaho and I lived in GA. After a year of cross-country romance, he moved to GA with our oldest. He had two kids, I had three and we have one together. We have 5 boys and one girl, they are 16, 12, 12, 10, 8 and 2. Five of the six live with us full-time.

I juggle many titles and responsibilities. Besides being wife, mom, daughter and sister, I also have two businesses, I am the Community Outreach Director of Way of Life Community Church in Tyrone, and travel the world for work and the Kingdom.

There have been many "adventures" I have encountered in my life that have led to shaping me into the woman I am today. Never would I have asked for most of these "adventures", but I have decided that God gets all the glory for bringing me through to the other side!!!

Working with my local community in conjunction with Way of Life and the Chamber of Commerce has given me a real drive to pull the community together. I look forward to talking more about that later.

I want to commend all the partners that have come on board to make the "Deserving Diva" possible. You are all sowing amazing seed into good ground. We have a teacher, a survivor and advocate for domestic abuse, nurse and speaker on health issues and myself. We all have taken experiences and passions and turned them back to our community. There is no wallowing in our circumstances, we have overcome and are moving forward. THANK YOU!!!!!

We have an amazing ride ahead of us in the next six months.

So, jump on board--it is going to be FUN!!!!

Deserving Diva Winners Being Selected

2010-01-27T08:53:00.000-08:00

Suwanee Dental Care doctors and staff have reviewed over 255 nominations for the 2010 Deserving Diva contest and have selected the winner. The criteria for the winner included the demonstration of extraordinary community service, the qualities of good citizenship and stewardship of the God-given gifts that each possessed, a very significant dental need that could not be met through their ordinary means and a willingness to share with others their journey of self discovery and the change that will take place as they go through the makeover process. Dr. Jeremy Smith, Dr. Blazej Golik and Dr. Bill Williams are pleased to bring the winner of the 2010 Deserving Diva to your computer screen, TV screen, 104.7 The Fish radio and to the pages of Gwinnett Magazine as the process evolves. We think you will be inspired by the story of hope and perseverance, to the reality of God's answers to prayer and to the future that lies in store for our Deserving Diva winner. We are announcing the winner pending notification of that winner herself very soon. In the meantime, we are pleased to have the following local businesses participating as partners in the Deserving Diva Makeovers:

1. The Cauble Center, with Cheney Davis, F.N.P. will provide skin and facial enhancements such as laser hair removal, chemical peel, Botox, lip augmentation, body recontouring, laser resurfacing, dermal fillers, and microdermabrasion. Cheney is not just a specialist in anti-aging and beauty but is also an emergency room head nurse practitioner in the Gwinnett Medical Center and a member of many Kenya Medical Outreach mission teams with Dr. Williams.

2. Revival Salon in Suwanee, with Joy and Cody Smith, will provide styles, cuts, foils, coloring, balayage, airbrush tans, makeup, straightening and flying curls. The Revival Salon is located in Old Town Suwanee in the Historic District. They have renovated the oldest building in Suwanee and made it into a center for haute couture. They specialize in nouveau styling, precision haircuts and creative innovative color techniques. Cody is the stylist to many famous celebrity musicians and pro athletes and is a special friend of ours because he and my son Tyler played Pop Warner level football together at Fitzgerald Field in Tucker for years.

3.Ambiance Interiors and Gifts in Suwanee: Christi Reeves-Tullis is heading up the designer end of Deserving Divas. Christi will dress the Diva of the Year in the finest fashions of the season and accessorize from the tip of the toes to the loveliness of the earlobes. From turn-key interior design to full house remodeling projects to unforgettable gifts wrapped in signature polka-dotted paper topped with a unique handmade ribbon rose ... Ambiance has a piece of candy for every eye! In 1999 mother daughter duo, Pamela Reeves and Christi Tullis, imagined and conceptualized Ambiance Interiors & Gifts into the luxurious establishment it is today.

The team of world renowned designers, boasting a vast wealth of knowledge and passion for the industry, has lead the Ambiance Design Team to be recognized by Gwinnett Magazine as the Best of the Best for Interior Design annually since 2003. Equipped to handle commercial, residential, hospitality, or model homes, club houses and other building services, Ambiance Interiors has your project covered from the architectural framework until the last accessory is tweaked. Turn-key elite service and superior project management remains world-class.

The GIFT GALLERY overflows with accents for the home, personal accoutrements, and distinguished gifts that you won't find elsewhere. We insist your shopping experience be crème de la crème by providing exceptional guest service and an unbelievable array of goodies for you and yours. Our clients and guests are our best form of advertisement ... take the Ambiance experience and you'll see why!

Stay tuned for detailed description of the Dental Services providers of Deserving Divas: Advanced Ceramics, Berry Dental Lab, Pittman Dental Lab and Bonadent Dental Lab.

Media partners for the Deserving Diva contest are Gwinnett Magazine, Donna Davis and Innova Productions and 104.7 The Fish Christian radio.