Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Are You Ready To Raise $$$ & Run?





I promise the pay pal button and the mail-in order form are coming soon. We are just working out some small technical issues regarding both. Believe it or not, there is a substitute Postmaster at the little post office that I use to obtain a box to accommodate our t-shirt orders. The regular Postmaster did not leave access to her computer or have the available boxes marked on the back side of the boxes, therefore, the sub does not know what boxes are available. The sub told me to go online and they would assign me one online, so I have done that this morning and will go back when they open today and see if he can give me one now. However, I do not see an assigned box number on any of the papers I had to fill out and print off to go pick up my box keys.... we'll see how this goes. At any rate... as soon as I have a P.O.Box number, I'll have the form ready to post for you to print off and mail in if you prefer this method over pay pal.

The following is the hotel info to book your room for the marathon weekend. I have had quite a few tell me they have already confirmed their room. WAY TO GO!!!! If you have not yet done so, please do so as soon as possible. AGAIN, you will not be charged for the room until you actually use it. Please try to get yours reserved as soon as possible so we will know if I have blocked off enough or if I need to try to reserve some more. The closer it gets to time, the less chance I will have to get more if we need them. I want everyone to be able to be together and have room for the other families who will be joining us this year. I CAN NOT TELL YOU HOW EXCITED I AM ABOUT THIS YEAR!!!!!

HOTEL INFO:

HOLIDAY INN & SUITES
MEMPHIS - WOLFCHASE GALLERIA
2751 NEW BRUNSWICK ROAD
MEMPHIS, TN 38133

phone - 901-266-1952

Ask for Sybil Sides or Alicia, they are our direct contact people for Team Believe. They are at the hotel between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. Let them know you are confirming a room under the block of rooms for Team Believe for the St Jude Marathon. If you have any problems ( I don't think you will) please let me know. I will help you. Seriously, it does not cost you anything until you actually come, so please do not procrastinate... CONFIRM YOUR ROOM NOW. I AM ALREADY CONFIRMED!

One thing I have not mentioned... just one of the perks of the new hotel, they are "comp'ing" a hospitality suite for us to have for the entire weekend!!!! This is going to be a blast of a weekend!!!

Our Team dinner will be moved back to the church fellowship hall. More details on that will come to you in an email. Macaroni Grill will be doing the cooking again for us, but they will cater it at the fellowship hall. For those of you who were with us two years ago, you know how nice that was. Much more room and privacy. We were able to mix, mingle and talk more, so we are really excited about taking the dinner back to that location.

Let me go ahead and start posting so I don't wait to the last minute and run the risk of forgetting.... Please bring or wear your team t-shirt with you for the dinner so we can get our official team picture made at that time. It is just about the only time that we have our entire team together at the same time in the same place! I want to get two different pictures this year. One with our team members, and another one with team members, their family members who attend and also the other St Jude families who will be joining us. That will require a WIDE ANGLE lens for sure!!!!! BRING YOUR TEAM SHIRT WITH YOU!!!!!

I had ask each of you to try to get at least $50.00 donated to your goal by the end of this month. How did you do? I held up to my end of the deal, I was able to get $155.00 from the date of the challenge before the end of the month. Ok, so now let's start a new challenge.. can you get at least another $50.00 or even better... $100.00 by the end of this month?????? I think you can! We are working on an idea that each of you can have an opportunity to participate in if you choose to that will help in an exciting way to bring in more money for our team. More details on this to come...

Thanks to a few who have been doing some neat things already. Brenda and Lenzy in Arkansas are hosting a Beauty Pageant with all proceeds going to St Jude through Team Believe. Way to go Brenda and Lenzy, please keep them in your prayers as they prepare for this event in October. Also, Svetlana in Georgia has had a garage sale with her proceeds going to St Jude through Team Believe. Thank You Svetlana for the great job you are doing. Please let us know of any other things going on that I am not aware of, this is encouraging to all of us. GET CREATIVE!!!

Have a great day! Pick up the phone and call a friend you have not talked to in a long time just to let them know you care! Get caught up on what is going on in their life. That will put a smile on your face! :)

BELIEVE PRAYER WORKS!!

Monday, September 28, 2009

IT'S HERE!!!!!




FINALLY!!! HERE IT IS... THE RUNNING FOR MARY KATE TEAM T-SHIRT

This is what our team shirts will look like this year. The pay pal online order button will be up soon so you can order yours, and also I will be posting a order form that you can print off and mail in if you prefer to order yours that way. This will work just like it did last year. I think it went very smoothly last year, so I see no reason to mess up a good system. Be watching for the pay pal button and the order form to be posted.

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT OUR TEAM SHIRT: Mary Kate drew this picture herself. She was asked to draw a picture, where would she be and who would she be with if she could be anywhere with anyone and this is her drawing. Mary Kate with Hello Kitty on the beach!!!!! Life is good on the beach!!! Of course, Mary Kate was a pink girl, so it is only fitting that the shirt be pink. This was her request when she was asked do design our shirt. So here's to our sweet Mary Kate... Pink shirt with Hello Kitty on the beach!

The front of the shirt is our NEW team logo! As you know, in the past we have run for our sweet Ethan, he will always be in our hearts and a part of us, he brought us together. So if you notice in the top of the circle surrounding our logo, it has Ethan's name. Next year, it will have the names of Ethan and Mary Kate in our circle. Each year, we will add the name of the child we run for the previous year. They will forever be a part of us and our circle of love, faith and trust will not ever be broken.

Remember, we use this as a fundraiser for our team for St Jude, so it is not limited to team members only. Anyone can order one or as many as you want. Even if you can't be here, please show your support of St Jude by ordering your Mary Kate shirt.


Thank You Precious Lord, prayers have been answered. The doctor told Natalie today that he does not feel the spot on her lungs is of concern at this point. They will check it again at her next scheduled check up in January. There was a look of relief and a big smile on her face today when she came out of the doctors office. I will say, she is quite amazing, she was so strong and had such a wonderful positive attitude if the news from todays CT scan had been "not so good". I love this girl, her heart and her attitude. They want to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and prayers.... BELIEVE PRAYER WORKS. We have some of the best prayer warriors anyone could ask for :)

For those of you who followed Poppy Joy, Angie has finished her book about the life and the experience of her pregnancy with Poppy Joy. You can go to her blog page and order a paperback copy. www.poppyjoy.blogspot.com I can't wait to read this book. Angie is so amazing, her faith and strength are incredible. I think this will be an excellent read.

I popped in on Mallerie today, not only was she sleeping, so was mom!!! Nope, I dare not wake them!!! Let the sleeping beauties sleep. I will check on them again. Keep praying for her, pray for her to get to get out of that hospital SOON!

Dax has been released to go home! I know they are so excited to get to go home. There is a clinic close by and he will have to go in everyday for appointments, but they will get to go home and be together with Dad and sleep in their own bed at night. Please keep them in your prayers and pray for him to do well at home and be totally healed.

Alex V needs for you to keep her in your prayers. She has had some really rough times lately, but nothing that God can't handle. I got a call from one of our Arkansas prayer warriors, Brenda, tonight. She ask me where I was... I was at Chili's of course. She told me she was at the Chili's closest to her too, and that the children's menu that her grandchildren had gotten had the picture and story of our very own Alex Vannier!!!! I ask for a copy of the children's menu at my Chili's, but it had the picture and story of another little girl. Thank you Brenda for getting some extra copies for me and for Alex and Joan. Alex is a very sweet girl and does so much to help with public awareness for the benefit of St Jude. Thank You Alex, we are praying for you and hope you are feeling much MUCH better soon. I can't wait to see you in Memphis on your next trip back.

Please keep Christian and her family in your prayers at this time. Check her site.

Please keep our little angels families in your prayers. I saw Michelle and the boys at Chili's tonight, she said today was 6 weeks since Elizabeth went home to heaven. I know it probably seems like a lifetime to Michelle, but when she told me that, it really caught me off guard, I could not believe it had been 6 weeks. She is so missed by her family and the people at the hospital. Please keep all of the families in your prayers. This journey does not get any easier, they need your power of prayer to get them through each day.

I had lunch at Chili's today with Tabitha and new baby Max. Sully was in our heart and on our mind. These sweet babies, taken way to early in life, are always on the minds of their families. Please pray for the families of Ethan, Sully, Mary Kate, Elizabeth, Alex D. Reagan, and Clay. I know there are others that some of you follow, keep them in your hearts and in your prayers too.

For those of you who supported Chili's today for their 100% profit day to St Jude... THANK YOU!!! I am so blessed to be here in Memphis where at our local Chili's I was surrounded by many of the staff, doctors and nurses from St Jude. That is such an incredible awesome feeling to see them supporting the wonderful restaurant that supports them. Especially when it's the staff from the BMT and other areas of the Chili's Care Center. They have the privilege of getting to work in that wonderful facility.

THANK YOU CHILI'S AND THANK YOU STAFF AND MEDICAL STAFF OF ST JUDE!!

BELIEVE PRAYER WORKS!!!!!

Friday, September 25, 2009

A Time For Everything - A Time To Pray

1: Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me and hear my prayer.
2: O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing?
3: But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself; the Lord will hear when I call unto him.

Psalms 4: 1-3


Calling on our wonderful prayer warriors to rally up some prayers for a few of our kiddo's. Mallerie is still inpatient, and was running a fever today. They were going to take her for chest x-rays to see if they could see anything going on. Please pray for her to fee better and for her ANC to continue to rise. Bless her heart, she has had such a difficult time and just needs to get out of that hospital. Please pray for her full recovery and in Elizabeth's words... "hurry Jesus".

Please pray for Dax to continue to do well and be released to go home soon. I spoke with Julie this afternoon and she is hoping to get to go home on Sunday. They are so ready to get out of the hospital setting and get home. Pray for everything to go smoothly and for them to be homeward bound soon.

Natalie did not get the report that she had hoped to get today. I had lunch with them today after their appointment, I think they are pretty down right now. Please pray for them to have peace and comfort. I am just going to copy and paste what Sandy posted on her cb page so as not to confuse anyone. The following is from Sandy:

Natalie and I arrived home a little bit ago. Needless to say we didn’t receive the type of news we had hoped for today. The chest x-ray revealed an area at the top of her right lung that looked suspicious. We were unable to see Dr. Howard, Natalie’s regular Dr. because of injuries he received from a bike wreck, so I have emailed him with a few questions. His associate asked that Natalie come back in 6 weeks for another chest x-ray and possible scans. At the time when you hear there may be a reoccurrence it doesn’t really sink in what all that might entail. We ask that you will be praying for Natalie as she continues to focus on her college classes while waiting for further testing.

They are depending on our wonderful group of prayer warriors to keep them in prayer for the best results possible on her next x-ray. I am personally praying for this to be something that will not show up on the next x-ray. Pray for the suspicious spot to be non existent next time. Please keep them in prayer. GOD IS IN CONTROL!

Alex V. has been having some problems and has been very sick. Please pray for her and her family. She has had such a difficult time and could really use the prayers from everyone to be healed and to feel better soon. She is such a sweet girl, I just hate to hear of her feeling so sick. Please keep them in prayer.

Please keep in prayer Christian and her family. I will ask you to please go and read the post her mom made a few days ago. You will know which one I am referring to. This is an amazing family, please keep them in your prayers at this difficult time. God has a plan, unknown to you and I, but He has a plan.

Please continue to pray for peace, comfort and understanding for the families who have had their babies go home to be with God... ^Mary Kate^, ^Elizabeth^, ^Alex^, ^Reagan^, ^Clay^, I know I am leaving out some names, but you know and God knows who they are. Pray for them.

Please continue to do what you can to raise money for St Jude. These families have all ask that donations be made to this wonderful hospital that gave their child a chance or even more time to be with them. Please support TEAM BELIEVE. Either join us and help us raise money or if that is not possible, please make a donation to one of the team members. It can be done in honor or memory of someone else.

The Half marathon is now SOLD OUT, unless you join as a Hero and commit to raising $500.00. The Full and the 5K are still open. The price goes up on November 1st and these other runs could and most likely will fill rather quickly too. DON'T GET LEFT OUT!!!!

Enjoy your weekend. Hug your family and be thankful for the healthy children in your life...

BELIEVE PRAYER WORKS~

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

$10.00 just TEN DOLLARS!!!




Thank you to everyone who has registered for the marathon. We still have new members joining us, for that we as a team are very thankful. I received the picture posted today in an email this morning. I cracked up at first, then thought about some of the precious angels who are in heaven with Jesus now and had a raw gut feeling in my stomach. I think these are signs sent to perk my drive and my determination to work harder to do whatever I can to help raise money. I am not a doctor, nurse or even in research where I can be someone to "find the cure" but I can commit myself to make all efforts to raise money to support the others. I told Reagan's dad before I left Texas last week that I promised him I would do whatever I can in my life to help raise awareness for the need for funds and to raise the funds that I can to help stop this so that not one more daddy or mommy had to bury their BABY. I stand on that promise.

I know I have been talking alot about this lately, but when you stand by the graveside of a little child and see the pain in their family's face... it does something to you. I will "borrow" a phrase recently posted by a mom... if I am talking to much about raising money for our team for St Jude, I'm sorry but I will shut up if you will put up the donations!!! :) I look at the log in counter on this page each day when I log in and think... if everyone who comes here would put up just $10.00 (obviously more if you can) just think what that could add up to. I have 300+ facebook friends, I know that some of you are friends there too, but if each of my 300+ friends would just donate $10.00 that would put me over my goal but even more important, look what it would do for our team. I know in today's economy that money is tight, but cancer goes on... there is no "slow down" of new diagnosed cases because the economy is bad and the money for treatment is tight. The cancer continues so must the treatment. Please check your coat pockets that have been hanging in the closet, look under your sofa cushions, give up just one meal at McDonald's this month. Go to your employer, anyone that you do business with on a regular basis... ask them to help you in your efforts to raise money for this most amazing hospital. If you work in an office environment you might ask your employer if you can have a jeans day or "dress down" day to raise money. Ask if the company will match what you raise with your jeans day. You might just be surprised. Pray about it, and let God take care of you.

For those team members, and it IS NOT TO LATE if any of you want to join us, one of the most effective ways to get sponsors is to write a letter, tell what you are doing and why you are doing it. Mail it out to everyone. Inside with your letter, place a self addressed envelop with your return address and then begin checking the mailbox. It can be like Christmas everyday between now and the marathon!!! I know that most of you are much more creative than I am, so if you have any suggestions on fundraising please leave a comment and share with us at the bottom of this post.

FOR REGISTERED TEAM MEMBERS.... THE HOTEL INFO IS ON YESTERDAY'S POST. GO BACK, CALL THE HOTEL AND CONFIRM YOUR ROOM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. AGAIN, YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED UNTIL YOU ACTUALLY STAY BUT THEY DO NEED YOUR CONFIRMATION.

I appreciate each of you and I KNOW that the families appreciate your efforts to help St Jude. LET'S ROCK ON!!!!

BELIEVE PRAYER WORKS~

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Time to Kick Cancer In The Tail












I realize after going back and looking at post preview that I duplicated a couple of pictures, but it is easier to go on and post them than to get them off... sorry. Blame it on jet lag!


What we have once enjoyed and loved, we can NEVER lose.
All that we love deeply becomes a part of us forever.

Helen Keller






I don't know about you but I am more determined THAN EVER to do what I can do to help raise money for St Jude Children's Research Hospital. I have loved this hospital and the care and love it gives to families, but it is now taking on a much deeper meaning. I am so grateful for the children that they have been able to treat and send home CANCER FREE, but also for the extra time that some families have had with their precious children before God called them home to be with Him. This hospital gives and gives.... NOW IT'S MY TURN TO GIVE. I am asking each one of you to step up and do what you can, ask a friend or family member to help out too.

We had a really nice day yesterday at the Wisteria Tea Room in Brunswick, TN eating a wonderful lunch complete with Hello Kitty decor and the best Hello Kitty cupcakes ever! Thank you to the St Jude families and friends who came out to support this fundraiser for our team. $5.00 from each plate sold, plus some left extra donations goes to St Jude. This is the second year that the ladies of Wisteria Tea Room have done this for Team Believe. They are awesome. I have posted some pictures from yesterday. I was so glad that Regina and Alison could come up from Mississippi to be there with us. Michelle and her boys, Dr Sara, and other hospital staff and volunteers were able to come out too. Thank you.


I have reserved our block of rooms for the marathon at a brand new hotel this year. The new hotel is right next door to the one we have used the past couple of years. Team members will need to do as you have done in the past, and for new members, just call in and confirm your room on your credit card. The hotel will have a list of our team members, so when you call in they will match your name with our team list to ensure you get the contracted special rate for our team. I will keep check on it to to make sure each one is getting the correct rate charge. We have a VERY generous discount so I want to make sure each one of you are getting the correct price. We will have some other people from a couple of other teams who will be joining us in our reserved block of rooms this year. I am very excited about us being able to be with these other St Jude families. I think you will be blessed by getting to meet them and spend some PJ party time with them!!! Call in early and reserve your room... like asap. You will not be charged for the hotel until you actually stay. They just need to confirm on a credit card and you can cancel if you need to up to the week or so before the marathon. So please don't wait, they need to know how many rooms to count on. With other people joining us, we just want to ensure we have enough rooms. I am so excited. By the way, this new hotel is a huge supporter of the Grizzlie House....that makes me happy to be able to give back to them.

HOTEL INFO:

HOLIDAY INN & SUITES
MEMPHIS - WOLFCHASE GALLERIA
2751 NEW BRUNSWICK ROAD
MEMPHIS, TN 38133

phone - 901-266-1952


Ask for Sybil Sides, she is our direct contact person for Team Believe. She is at the hotel between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. Let her or her assistant know you are confirming a room under the block of rooms for Team Believe for the St Jude Marathon. If you have any problems ( I don't think you will) please let me know. I will help you. Seriously, it does not cost you anything until you actually come, so please do not procrastinate... CONFIRM YOUR ROOM NOW. I AM ALREADY CONFIRMED!

This past week has been a very difficult week for the St Jude family. I know you have these families in your heart and in your prayers. I ask that you also remember to keep the staff, nurses and doctors in prayer also. They grieve very much also. Pray for the people in research who are so eagerly trying to find cures for these cancers.

I got behind this past week, but will get back on track this week. I will have the t-shirt preview up and ready this week. It is gonna look SO GREAT!!! It's Mary Kate's very own art work!!! It's awesome! Remember, we will be using this as a fundraiser again this year... so order a shirt for your whole family so they can show their support too!

LET'S GET GOING....... ROCK ON TEAM BELIEVE!!!!

BELIEVE PRAYER WORKS~

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Correction ~ Schedule of Services For Our Sweet Angels

Correction on the dates for Reagan's visitation and celebration of life:

The days are correct, the dates are not. Visitation- Wednesday, September 16 and Celebration Service -Thursday, Sept. 17
I apologize for the mistake...



Services for Alex Denton were yesterday in Alabama.

Services for Clay Chandler will be Wednesday September 15, 2009 in Drew, MS at the Drew Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00, the service will be at 11:00 am.

Visitation for Reagan Richard's will be Wednesday September 15, 2009 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in Denton, TX. The service will be on Thursday September 16, 2009 at 2:00 pm in Denton, TX with her burial in Krum, TX. There will be a candlelight vigil hosted by some "Friends of Reagan" from Krum in Denton in the parking lot of the restaurant across the street from DeBerry Funeral Home.

Please keep all of these families in your prayers. This St Jude family community has been hit very hard this weekend. I can not tell you the pain and heartbreak both within the St Jude family and also with the wonderful groups of prayer warriors who have been holding these children and their families up in prayer each day. God is good, He will be with each family member.

Each of these families has ask for donations to be made to St Jude in lieu of flowers. Please consider doing this. THE ONLY WAY TO SUPPORT THE WORK OF ST JUDE AND THE EFFORT TO FIND A CURE IS TO HELP PROVIDE THE MONEY NEEDED TO FUND THIS RESEARCH. EACH OF THESE FAMILIES KNOWS HOW HARD ST JUDE TRIED TO SAVE THEIR CHILD AND ALSO KNOWS THAT THEY WOULD NOT HAVE HAD THE TIME WITH THEIR CHILD THAT THEY DID IF IT WERE NOT FOR THE EFFORTS MADE BY ST JUDE. What a wonderful way to memorialize these and other precious babies who have lost their battle, please make a donation to St Jude. No matter how great or how small, EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS!

Some needed prayers, Christian needs urgent prayers for her miracle. Please be in fervent prayer for her and her family. She is such a beautiful girl who is facing this battle with great courage and strength.

Also, Trevor T. will be coming in to St Jude later today for his check up and MRI tomorrow. Melinda will be by herself during his MRI, I ask that each of you please lift her up in prayer for her peace during the MRI and of course it goes without saying please pray for good results from the test. I talked to Trevor on the phone yesterday, he sounds GREAT!! He is just so precious. Please keep them in prayer.

All of the kiddo's need your prayers. Thank you for being such wonderful prayer warriors. I apologize if I have not returned phone calls or messages the past few days to you. The events since this past Friday have really taken a toll and it has been very difficult to talk or even have words at times. I love each and every one of you, and do appreciate the support you give me. You will never know how much your words mean to me and keep me going. There have been many days over the past month that I have felt like I just could not face these families because I have felt I could not be the support that they could use. However, each day God has given me a renewed strength. His love is new everyday. To the families that I have not been to visit this past week, I am sorry but I will be back to see you next week. That is a promise! What a blessing and a privilege to be a part of the lives of such wonderful people. I am very blessed. Thank You, Lord! I will be flying to Dallas to be in Denton for Reagan's service. I will return on Saturday morning just in time to be here for the fundraising lunch that the wonderful little Tea Room is hosting on Saturday for Team Believe. Several of our St Jude families will be joining us for this event this year. If any of you are close enough to come, we would love to have you. Wisteria Tea Room in Brunswick, TN. Reservations are requested.

Stay strong, do not let your faith become weak. Love the Lord with all of your heart.

BELIEVE PRAYER WORKS~

Saturday, September 12, 2009

WEEKEND UPDATE PART THREE~Our Hearts Are Bowed With Sorry....







Part Three:
I just do not want to write anything, I just don't have the words. I feel like I am in a really bad dream. A third angel in as many days... "has gone to heaven on the wings of angels sayin don't worry 'bout me" I love the awesome God I chose to serve, I trust the God I serve, I have complete faith and trust in the God I serve! Did he every promise me that I would like or understand everything? No, I don't recall Him ever making that promise to me. Do I believe that He will deliver on the promises He has made.... YES! WITH ALL MY HEART I DO BELIEVE HE WILL GIVE US REST AND PEACE. I really choose to believe that there are some really happy, healed, unbroken sweet angels in heaven tonight that are so excited to be with their playmates again, now with no IV poles, needles, medicines to make them feel bad.... you know the scene. No more hospital halls, just streets paved with gold. No more tears. Each watching down, being the guardian angel looking over their families until they meet again. Please pray hard for Brian, Jennifer and Anna; Shawn, Avery, Amy, Karissa, Caleb, Barbara and Philip; Forrest, Arie and Ellie.


Part Two:
I can not tell you how my heart feels right now. I have been on the phone with Reagan's family, she is resting in heaven with a complete healing. Reagan, fought such a courageous fight. She was happy and had such wonderful "parties" right up to the end. Please pray for Reagan's family. They have some really tough days ahead, pray for their peace and for the strength to face the coming days. Please remember to keep Avery and Caleb in your prayers too. They are young and have such a difficult time trying to understand.


Part One
I am calling on you guys, wonderful prayer warriors, to please pray at this time specifically for two of our families.

Please pray for Bryan, Jennifer, Anna and their family as Alex has earned his place with God in heaven yesterday. Please pray for them to get through the coming days. Alex has his complete perfect healing now in heaven, but the days ahead will be very difficult for those who loved him so very much here. The Denton's will be leaving Memphis in a few hours to return home to Alabama with their sweet Alex. I will let you know as arrangements are made. Pray for their safe travel. God be with the Denton's today.

Reagan's family has ask for our prayers for Reagan. Reagan's tumor has spread and is very aggressive. She is one strong and precious little girl, she is fighting and has surprised everyone from the beginning with how well she has done. We pray for God's miracle of complete healing here on earth, but if it is God's will to take her home to be with Him, the family just ask for prayers for her to be comfortable and at peace. Reagan does seem to be resting at this time, she does not seem to be uncomfortable. The family is very grateful that God is answering their prayers for her comfort. This time is so unimaginable to me, how do you face these days? My only answer is with God's help, His love, His perfect word and promises to us. God will provide for our every need. Just pray, ask God to be with you each step of the way no matter what trials you face. Please keep Reagan, her parents, grandparents and extended family in your prayers for them to face the coming days with God's peace and with God holding them close in the palm of his hand. As always, pray for Reagan's miracle.

God be with the Denton family and the Richard's family. To the families.... know that we love you, we pray for you, and God is a loving God, lean on Him, let Him carry you through.

Our hearts are breaking..... God, please help the medical world find a cure to stop this nasty beast!

BELIEVE PRAYER WORKS~

Thursday, September 10, 2009

When You Think You CAN'T... Remember Who You Are Doing It For!














Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.

Psalm 55:22



It's time to get into full swing!! We are three months away from the big weekend that we look forward to all year long!! Some have already purchased their airline tickets and I do have a confirmation on our hotel. The contract is signed and our block of rooms is ready for you to begin confirming your room. I want to share with you that we will be joined by a few other St Jude families and their teams. We are so excited to share this time with them. You have been praying and supporting them, this is your opportunity to meet them and spend some time with them. You know me... I don't give away all my secrets, so you will just have to come to find out what all this weekend will have in store, but I promise you IT WILL BE AWESOME IN MANY MANY WAYS!!!

Get registered, the price will go up again the first of October. I hope to have the team t-shirt design ready for you to see and begin ordering by the first of next week. Be watching for emails for more details.

I know money is tight for everone, but just think... if you ask 10 people to give just $10.00 that is $100.00... if each one of you can make a pledge and promise to yourself to raise just $100.00 think what that will do for our team. I can tell you too, once you get started it will continue to come in!!!

When you think... I just can't ask someone to sponsor me... scroll back up and look at the faces of those kids we are doing this for :) If they can fight and they can go through what they go through.... well, I don't think I have to finish that sentence, you know.

KICK IT UP INTO HIGH GEAR.... I CHALLENGE YOU TO EACH TRY TO GET AT LEAST $50.00 IN DONATIONS BEFORE THE END OF THIS MONTH. I WILL PLEDGE TO GET AT LEAST $50.00 BY THE END OF THE MONTH!


Check the sites of all our kids. There is some good news and some urgent prayer request as well. Please keep Clay and Alex D. on your urgent prayer list.

Keep those families who have said their goodbye's for now to their babies.. they need your prayers as much now as ever.

Much love to you all ~

BELIEVE PRAYER WORKS!!!

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Holiday Over... Flu Season In Full Swing!!!!

Hello! I hope that each of you had a wonderful holiday weekend. Personally, I had a very relaxing weekend with my family at our lakehouse. It is always nice to spend time away from the normal normal, what ever that is.

I have not been to the hospital since I got back in to town last night. My fridge was totally empty, so today was a Costco run day. I hope to go down later this evening to visit with Pam and Trevor as they are back for Trev's check up.

Ryan got his MRD results back and............. drum roll........... NEGATIVE!!! NO SIGNS OF DISEASE!!!!! Thank You Lord, You are so mighty and awesome. Prayers are being answered. Please keep him and mom, Kimberly in your prayers. They really want to get to go home SOON. Be praying for this specific request.

Dax was released from inpatient today!!!! I know they are so excited! Please pray for him to continue to show improvement and be able to remain outpatient. Praying for his complete healing and for him to get to go home soon too.

Check out everyone's sites and keep them in your hearts and prayers.

I will update as I am able to go visit. I hope that each of you are staying healthy and avoiding this flu season. It seems
be really bad here in Memphis, and I am hearing that Memphis is by no means the only place getting hit hard. My prayer is that each of you will remain healthy. Take precautions and wash your hands!!!

Marathon is coming along!!! If you are registered, be checking your emails for important info to be coming out. Shirts should be online to start taking orders SOON. Did you ask anyone for a donation today?????

GO TEAM BELIEVE ~

BELIEVE PRAYER WORKS!!!

Friday, September 4, 2009

Enjoy The Holiday Weekend!

O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.

~ Psalm 62:8




Before I get called out on it... YES, I did "borrow" the scripture today from someone else's caringbridge page. I just really felt like she had hit the nail on the head at this particular time with the verse telling us to ... trust in him at all times... Why is it that it is easy to "trust Him" when things are going good but we at times begin to question Him when times are difficult and trying? He says... TRUST, I have to keep telling myself this means yesterday, today, tomorrow, next week, next year... you get the point. As much as we hurt at time, and do not understand... we must always tell ourselves to trust Him. I know how hard this is for me, I have not faced some of the trials and burdens that some have, but I don't think he was weeding out and saying this to some and not to others. I pray that each of you who may be struggling with your faith, please read and reread God's promises to us. I pray that God will make himself known to you and you will find your peace and comfort in Him. I have to tell myself this every day. I have one very special friend whom I have come to truly love everything about this person that finds God in EVERY SINGLE thing in their life EACH DAY. They have lived such a life of looking for God in everything, that it seems to me, that they don't even have to LOOK for it, they just SEE it. Does that make sense? I know I probably don't make sense half the time. I pray for each of us to find God in everything we do and everything that happens to us.

Lot's of kiddo's need our prayers right now. There is one little girl that I do not know, she is not at St Jude, but Ryan's mom has been posting about her on Ryan's page and also another friend of mine from Arkansas has told me about her. She really needs prayers at this time, but I am asking each of you to go to her page and read her mom's post from today (may have been yesterday), but you will know which one I am talking about when you read it. This is the most amazing and incredible post.
www.caringbridge.org/visit/jessicaeasley

I have seen Mallerie a few times this week. She was out walking when I saw her yesterday!!! WooHoo for Mallerie!! This is a big accomplishment for her. She has been feeling so weak and so bad, it was SO GOOD to see her out in the hallway. Pray for her to continue to improve and get out of that hospital SOON!

I have seen Dax a few times this week too. He is doing really good at times. He has been trying to crawl and roll over and sit up in his bed. Julie says he has not been doing these things in so long, it is exciting to see him feeling better. The other day Julie's sister came from Illinois to stay for the week with them, when she got there and was talking to him and playing with him he was laughing out loud so loud... it was contagious, we were all laughing!!! Keep them in your prayers. Julie needs your prayers for strength and encouragement too. All of the events over the past few weeks have really been tough on her too. Send her a comments on Dax's page, let her know your praying for them.

Alex D, has been a sweetheart this week too! I have had some of the best hugs and kisses from him. He is a man of few words to "outside" people, but he has been such a sweetheart. Cute story.... I went by the first part of the week and took him a chili pepper from Chili's fundraiser for him to color. I told him I would come back in a day or so and get the chili pepper and take it back to Chili's for them to hang in a special window with only St Jude kids pictures. When I went by yesterday, I ask him if he had his pepper ready for me to take... in his very soft and sweet voice, he told me he wanted to keep it. I told him that was okay, I would get him another one and he could color it too, and keep one and send one back to Chili's.... good thought, right?
Well after a little thought time, he looked up and me and very sweetly said... "I want 10" !!!!! I just cracked up! If the little man wants 10, then by george he will get 10!!!! I picked them up today, and will get them to him ASAP. Keep the Denton's in your prayers... pray for his healing.

Salena is still having a really hard time. Please pray for her and her family. She has just really got alot going on right now. You can read her site and follow all of the things they are trying to deal with right now.

Clay needs your prayers. I saw him this week to. It was so sad to see him just laying there not feeling well. He is so full of life and loves to be talking and doing something, anything... and right now he just does not feel like doing anything. Pray for his healing... Pray for him family, this is very difficult for them and they have many decisions to make.

Keep all of the kids in your thoughts and prayers.. Reagan continues to feel well and stay busy with her family. We are so thankful for those answered prayers. Keep them coming.

Check the others sites... I'll try to post more tomorrow, this one is getting pretty long.


WAY TO GO TEAM BELIEVE!!!! LAST COUNT WE HAVE 29 TEAM MEMBERS AND WE ARE IN 3rd PLACE for monies raised so far!!! I am very happy to announce that some of the local Chili's employees have joined our team, and there are most likely more that will be joining too!!!! Tabitha and I had lunch in there the other day and had a wonderful conversation with our server who brought out the manager... one thing led to another and now they are ganging up and joining our teams!!! Now HOW COOL IS THAT!!! I went by today to get Alex's 10 peppers and I talked with our server from the other day... he told me he had gone down to St Jude and is scheduled to take the volunteer class and is going to become a St Jude Volunteer!!!!! That has got to put a smile on your face! You never know where a simple conversation can lead you.

Big week next week for info on the St Jude Marathon weekend!!! We will begin posting info on hotel accommodations, we have a new hotel this year. The hotel we will be staying at this year is a HUGE part of the daily support for the Grizzlie House. That makes me very happy!!! I am happy we can give back to them, for all they give to the St Jude families. We will also be launching the team t-shirt sales. Just a reminder... Mary Kate herself drew the design that will be on our shirts. It is awesome and just so touching to know this is her artwork!!! I am so excited about it. For each t-shirt you order, you will also get a Mary Kate bracelet. Those are treasured bracelets but Regina ordered more so each of you ordering a shirt could have a bracelet too. Thank you Regina!!!

GO TEAM BELIEVE - WALKING IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR SWEET^MARY KATE^!!!!!

Join us on our team, or please make a donation to our team or to one of our team members through the team page. EVERY PENNY GOES TO ST JUDE!!! Keep all of our special kids in mind as you consider making a donation. Keep in mind, not a single one of these families HAS EVER OR WILL EVER get a bill from St Jude. Not for any housing, treatment, supplies or anything used while being treated at St Jude... your dollars make this happen!!! Thank you

ENJOY YOUR LABOR DAY HOLIDAY WEEKEND ~ STAY SAFE!

BELIEVE PRAYER WORKS!!!!