December Wrap Up!

One of our favorite things to do in December is participate in Christmas Crew!
Here is our group for this year ~ The Hutch & Hutch Gang!

Every year our youth group joins with The Elf Louise organization and helps deliver
presents all around the area.

Each group provides Santa's and Elf Louise provides the outfits and gifts.
It is a highlight for us every year!



Here is our Santa (Pastor Jared) with some of the girls.



Pastor Stuart (Our Favorite Elf) and Pastor Sean spreading Christmas cheer at our annual Youthquake Christmas party.



We spent one Sunday baking cookies with my sister Mini and her girls - Priscilla and Dedee. The cookies were being sent to my nephew Mark in Korea.
Lots of fun!



Ali Bug and Ju Bean helping out...





All of us girls with some of our goods ready to be shipped out.



Ali getting inducted to the National Junior Honor Society.



Alex and long time friend, Davis at the NHS reception...Congratulations!




Alex danced in our church Christmas Music presentation. (She is on the far left.)



All the dancers backstage.















Our Favorite Elf - Stuart got married!
What a beautiful bride and wedding it was!
Congratulations Allison and Stuart!














Christmas Eve at my sisters house.

















Since the girls no longer let me film them coming down the stairs and opening their presents...I am posting these Christmas morning photo's! We do not have any little ones in our home any more...kind of weird to not go searching for toys to buy for them!


They are still so cute on Christmas morning!

During Christmas break we like to go visit our sweet friends in Oklahoma.

The Harwells and Steckers are always on our tour of visiting.

Here are pictures from the Stecker ~ Hutcherson reunion!

Always a great time catching up...except this time Rick was beginning to come down with something...after this picture we went back to our hotel and he stayed in bed for 2 days!

We returned home last night to Winston...even though I was sick ( yes, I got what Rick had and so did Alex) I was so happy to see this face and be home again!

This picture is for Noni...from Winston!

December 2008 was a wonderful month!

All Glory to God!

WE ARE SO PROUD OF HER!

Last Friday was a grand day in the life of our little family! Our dear Meredith accomplished her goal of attending & graduating from College.
Not only did she graduate but she graduated with Highest Honors ~~ Summa Cum Laude!!!
(Shouts and Hand Claps for Mere!)

This is huge for us since neither Rick or I graduated from College.

Family Picture with our Graduate!

Mere Bear accepting her diploma

Cheers for the Graduates!

The Graduates exiting the ceremony.

Mere is in the second row with an "M" on top of her hat.

The decorated hats were great!

It really helped to locate her!

As I ironed her graduation gown on Friday morning I began to tear up.

Rick walked in and asked me if my allergies were bothering me...I said "No!"...and then I really cried as I pointed to her gown to express to him why I was crying!

We both are amazed at our daughters accomplishments and the blessings the Lord has provided.

As we think about the past 22 years of prayers that we have prayed for this daughter and how the Lord delivered and took care of us in the midst of some difficult seasons...we both are emotional.

This is the daughter that at a very young age we noticed her ability to perform and choreograph.

Despite us not being able to afford dance classes for her - The Lord provided the gift of dance to develop and strengthen in her as He guided her to become an amazingly gifted dancer and choreographer!

We learned that when He places a gift and calling on your life He will provide the pathway to grow and use it...not always the way the world would accomplish it!

Mere has gone from choreographing neighborhood shows with her friends to

choreographing a multitude of performances and shows for schools and church's.

As well as win awards for her performances.

Now she is on her way to becoming a High School Dance Director!!

What we witnessed last Friday was an amazing thing!

His power gave her skill, determination, and discipline.

What she has done with it is beautiful!

We are so proud of her!


CONGRATULATIONS MEREDITH!!!!

Love,

Mom, Dad, Alex and Julia

Lots To Share!

So much going on and lots to share!

Since Thanksgiving I have been busy preparing to put on a Market Days event at our church.
The event was last Saturday. It was crazy and fun!

We had around 40 vendors with a variety of great items.
I had a booth with all my Inspired Looks Accessories on display and for sale.
This is one of my favorite shows to do throughout the year because I get to see so many friends and customers that shop every year at this event. It is always nice to hug and catch up a little with these friends that I do not get to see so often.

The Mug N Muffin team, my daughters & some of my girlfriends helped to make that day such a success! I could not have done it without them! THANKS GIRLS!!

I wish I had pictures to show - but never had time to stop and snap any...like I said it was crazy!
I would love to show you what our church looked like...all decked out with decoration for the season, with people everywhere, vendors with their amazing items. Most of all I would like to have shown you the Christmas spirit that was everywhere...people shopping and having a good time with friends and family, families getting Christmas photo's taken by the large display of trees, folks enjoying the live Christmas music that was being performed by my friend Tina Wilson (She RockS!) and in the midst of all that hustle and bustle there was sweet ministry that took place in many different fashions.

A HUGE Thank You to all the vendors and their families for participating in this event with us.
What a special day you helped us deliver!
Praise The Lord for the many people that shopped and helped us raise around $5000. dollars to
benefit the single parents during the Christmas season!

Onto other updates...

CATY MAYER ~

During the week of Thanksgiving Caty had many tests done and received GREAT reports!
On Wednesday we received a text message that announced "The Doctor looked over the scans and said the tumor is gone! Happy Thanksgiving! Praise GOD!"

I screamed - YES! - when I read that!

I wanted to share this update with you since many of you have been praying for Caty and her family. This is a great report and we are rejoicing!

The Doctor says that she will continue with the scheduled plan of treatments even though the tumor has been killed and the bone is restructuring itself. Apparently this type of cancer (Ewings Sarcoma) is known to aggressively return.

Her next session of Chemo treatments begin this Friday - December, 12th.
On Monday - December 15th she will add radiation to her treatments.

Please pray for her as she begins this new phase of her treatments.
They are praying that she will be well enough to enjoy Christmas at home and not at the hospital or be banned from family participation due to low counts and immune system.

She continues to be a courageous young warrior and shares her story often to encourage others!

We enjoyed a night out with their family last weekend...it was a great evening and a rarity since she became ill.


SHARLET LYNN ~

Sharlet is another good friend that battled cancer.
I had her and Caty come be my guest at a ladies event I did at our church.
You can check out her story on my blog from my October posting called - "WOW!".

I wanted to share with you this exciting opportunity she had.
Recently she was featured in Newsweek magazine regarding her cancer journey and the use of the caring bridge website.
Read more about it by going here...NEWSWEEK. If it does not open to that page click on the Health page and look for the story titled - " Fighting on Two Fronts".


We are busy trying to get Christmas decoration up, attend the girls dance performances, attend Christmas parties, Open houses, Graduation, and help with our friends wedding.

Oh and I have something really special I am working on...Next week I will have all the details to announce it!

All I can say is Ladies ~ Save the Date of JANUARY 23rd, 2009!


Be Inspired!

Veronica

Remember to Give Thanks

This Thanksgiving we decided to stay at home and take it easy.

Only one other time had we not spent Thanksgiving with one of our families.

Aaahhh no packing, no traveling, no time schedule...It was actually kind of nice!

We enjoyed the day with our girls and our good friends, Stephen and Sarah.

It was a good day...

The Cowboys even won!

As I prepared for the day I began to look through my recipe box for a certain recipe and came across this sweet recipe card that was made by Mere Bear when she was around 6 0r 7 years old.

I totally lost it when I read her precious handwriting.

I think I am a bit emotional right now because in a couple of weeks our precious 22 year old pumpkin will be graduating from college!

We truly have so much to be grateful for.

This little pumpkin shaped card was a reminder to me of God's faithfulness and provision throughout the years.

PUMPKIN PANCAKES

2 Cups of Bisquick Mix

1 Cup of Milk

2 Eggs

1 Cup Canned Pumpkin

1 tsp Cinnamon

Mix all ingredients together and pour onto hot griddle.

Enjoy with Syrup or Plain

PRAISE THE LORD , O My Soul, and forget not all his benefits -

who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,

who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Sometimes despite God's great goodness all around me I sometimes fail to thank Him or remember what he has done for us.

May we never forget what He has done on our behalf!

Thank Him now and tell others of His wonders!

THANK YOU LORD!

A Week of Giving Thanks ~ OH BOY!

This is my niece Priscilla and her precious family.

I am grateful for them and for God's provision and protection in their lives.

I am also grateful that I get to watch their baby Egil (pronounced Eagle)

when my schedule allows.

Here are some pictures of our time together

Great Aunt Veronica and Egil at a recent Ladies Brunch and Bible Study.

I look at him and thank OH BOY do we have a lot to be grateful for!

He is our little blessing!

My niece started a job on Monday and I volunteered to watch Egil for a couple of days this week.

The girls are home from school so they get to have fun with him too!

Here is Ju Bean playing ball with Egil. This is him throwing the ball to her.

He is good!

He loved playing with the girls.

Here he is laughing with Ali Bug.

I had three girls sooo....

this is what happens when you stay at my house!

We play dress up!
He really liked the hat!


OH BOY!
We had fun!!
Hope I don't get in trouble from his daddy!

I Am Cooking Now!

Over the past 8 years I have been learning to cook.

I am sure you are wondering what I did the other 15 years of my married life!

Rick has always loved to cook. It is something he learned & inherited from watching his Dad and his Pop grill and cook.

I - well.... I just faked it! How? By buying non-nutrional, pre-made dinners. When Rick was not cooking something up I would pop in those box things and kaboom! We had dinner!

My mom was always a really great cook and baker. It seems my sisters have that same gift!
For me it has taken a little longer to develop but I am finding my way!

Rick has been a great encouragement and always cheers for me and compliments me when

I accomplish new recipes! (Thanks Honey!)

There are several reasons why I think I never learned to cook.

1. I was not allowed in the kitchen!

2. I was the baby of 7 kids. Everyone has taken care of all that stuff for me.

Even when I became an adult...they gave me the easy the job of bringing the paper wares or soda's to our family gatherings...from there I moved up to bringing the dips and chips (which has now been passed on to me niece Dee Dee).

My kids love it when we eat at home as a family.

That is one of the reasons I started to learn how to cook and to give those recipe books a try! Opening up a recipe book use to intimidate me. Not any more - I Am Cooking Now!

One of the favorite things my family loves for me to make is my soups. Soups that have a real name and not Soup Surprise!

Here is my recipe for my version of Potato Soup (minus garlic - since I am allergic to that!).

As the weather is getting colder, somewhere besides where I live, I hope you enjoy making this for your family!

VERONICA'S SLOW COOKER POTATO SOUP

1 Can chicken broth (can substitute with a fat free, less sodium broth)

4 Cups of peeled and cubed potato's (approximately 2 pounds).

1/2 to 1 Cup of chopped onions

1 Cup of chopped celery

3/4 Cup thin sliced carrots

3 Tablespoons butter , cut into small pieces

Salt - sprinkle desired amount

Pepper - sprinkle desired amount

1/4 Cup all purpose flour

1 1/2 Cups 2% reduced fat milk

Shredded Cheddar Cheese


Place the first 8 ingredients in your slow cooker; stir well.
Cover with lid and cook on high heat for 1 hour.

Reduce to low heat and cook for 4 more hours. Make sure vegetables are tender.

Increase to high heat.

Put flour in a bowl and gradually add milk, stirring with a whisk until well blended.
Add flour mix into the soup and stir until blended.
Cook ,uncovered, for 25 minutes or until it thickens. Stir frequently as needed.

Pour into bowls and top with sprinkled cheese.
Serve with a salad and crescent rolls.
Delicious!

~~~~~~~~~~ Vern's Tips ~~~~~~~~~~~

* I like to double this recipe so there is plenty for seconds or leftovers!
* For easy cleanup use the Slow Cooker Liners (pictured beside the slow cooker).
* Add garlic if you choose!


I love to try new recipes.
Do you have a yummy simple recipe to share with us?

Leave your recipe in the comment section or a message with a link to your blog.

Inspire Me with your cooking photo's too!

Happy Veterans Day!

HAPPY VETERANS DAY!!

Since November 11, 1926 there has been a legal holiday to honor the end of WWI and those that have served. Twelve years later it became a National Holiday.
On June 1, 1954 the name was changed to honor all US Veterans that have fought for our country.

To all my family and friends that have bravely served our country I salute you and say thank you!

To my nephew Mark who is stationed in Korea. We miss you buddy and look forward to your visit in February! Just this morning Priscilla, Aunt Irma and I were talking about you!

We think of you often!

Prayers for our President (Elect)

I wanted to share these comments and prayers for our President elect Barack Obama.

1. From My Pastor

Dear Barack,

Congratulations on becoming the next President of the United States of America. It is a historic moment and you are the Lord's leader for our country. Although I did not vote for you, I look forward to praying for you over the next four years. My prayer is that the Lord will give you wisdom, knowledge, and insight in all the decisions you will have to make. I pray for your marriage, that you and Michelle will stay close and be an example of love for the nation and the world to follow. I pray for your family, that your girls will continue to enjoy their "Dad time" away from the media spotlight. I pray that the Lord gives you all the grace and strength and courage you need to do the job that is before you. Keep your eyes on Jesus and find your strength in His Word. If you need anything from me, don't hesitate to call.

Your friend,

Robert Emmitt
Pastor Community Bible Church San Antonio, TX



2. From My Favorite Bible Teacher & Siesta! - Beth Moore

Please join me in praying for our President-elect Barack Obama, his wife Michelle, and his precious daughters, Sasha and Malia. Go with me before the Throne of our sovereign God and ask Him to grant wisdom from above to President-elect Obama and the indwelling presence and power of Jesus Christ. In the words of the Apostle Paul, "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior..."

Please also join me in the active and deliberate pursuit of unity and purity in the Body of Christ at this historical time in our country. I implore you in Jesus' Name to have zero tolerance for prejudice whether it is regarding party-affiliation, color (whether you are Black, White, or Brown), economics or the like. Disagreement is not sin. Prejudice is. Satan has plotted events and planted attitudes that, should he be successful, will result in havoc. We must not stand for his schemes or cooperate in a single way. We would severely displease God and invite untold chastisement upon Christ's Church in our nation. Speak clearly to your children and graciously but emphatically draw a line in your work places and social circles regarding your stand against prejudice of any kind.

And to that I say - AMEN!!

Praying for peace to be within you all!
Psalms 122:7-8

Be Inspired,

Vern

In God We Trust!

Here Is My Election 2008 Button Collection. I have been wearing a different button almost everyday for the past several weeks. Can you guess which one is my favorite?

Whoever guess first which button is my favorite will win a McCain ~ Palin Button and a Christmas CD to get them ready for the upcoming Season!

Did you vote today or did you do early voting?
Our household did early voting.
Uncle Rico and I walked down the street to our local library the other day and voted.
We decided to walk and save fuel since the parking was going to be tricky anyways.
After we voted we held hands and walked home. What a great day! We Saved Gas - Voted - and Exercised together by walking!


Here is our little Jr Republican Ju Bean modeling one of our hand made Campaign Shirts.
Front Side - McCain ~ Palin 2008
She is also sporting her new braces that she got a couple of weeks ago. What a smile that kid has!

Back Side - Time For A Real Hero!
This is one of her favorite sayings about John McCain.


Another Shirt I made for her.
She wanted it to say - History In The Making - on the back side.

The Craft Queen paid me a visit and I duplicated this shirt 3 more times for her friends to have one! I am not sure what came over me...but I actually made several more shirts after that!!

It has been so neat to see once again how awesome this young generation is!
To watch Ju Bean inspire others and get them involved in making a difference has been so cool!
She has been campaigning and talking about this election for a while now.
Wearing buttons, and shirts to school, to dance class, to church...Everywhere!
She even has her text messages end with the signature saying - "McCain Palin 08!.
I love it!
Everyday she keeps up with what is going on. She is even informed about the stock market by her friend Kelly...Again...this generation of young folks are amazing!!


Our little Warrior!!

We just tucked her into bed and told her that Barack Obama had just won the election.
She handled it with grace. I know on the inside she was steaming!
Rick told her good job on her campaigning efforts and we prayed for her, our country, our new President and the McCain Team.



Our Pastor gave a perfect message to guide and encourage the congregation during this election week. If you are feeling anxious about what is going on in the world with the financial crisis, the wars and Obama becoming President I encourage you to go to http://www.communitybible.com/ and click on the message from last weekend titled - In God We Trust.

When you get discouraged with any of the results that have taken place tonight and the days ahead...take out your currency and read the words - IN GOD WE TRUST!
Give Thanks for all your blessings and remember The Lord is still Lord of All!!

Keep praying for our leaders and our country. Keep it up...now is not the time to stop.

God Bless and Good Night!

Sing!

This morning I was reading the Proverbs 31 Devotional and my friend Micca's message which then led me to her blog. Her discussion was about the "ugly one" (my name for satan) who tries to steal your joy. She shares details about how to keep your joy.
As I read her blog I kept thinking about how I have handled being robbed of joy and other things. Well, I sing!
Thinking of this inspired me to write about a couple of songs that have given me encouragement in the midst of difficulty, despair and decision making.

There are many songs that have given me hope to carry on.
If you know my testimony you have heard about times in my life that fear, loneliness and sadness surrounded my life. You also know that I always share about the great Jesus music I was introduced to in my teen years. The message through the music broke through and rescued me! During some of the lowest times in my life those words spoke life and healing to my soul...it saved my life! Even to this day I still listen to those artists and their music and it continues to have a huge part in transforming and guiding my life.
While it does not replace the Word of God...it is the word and melody of God being sung over us.
And in case you have not heard...Praise is a weapon! With Praise and Song we can Win battles!

Are you needing encouragement for a situation you are in today?
Is there sadness looming around you?
Do you have a prayer need that aches your heart?
Is there a decision you need guidance on?

May I recommend that you read the Psalms, grab a good worship CD and sing!
Sing for Joy!
Sing for Healing!
Sing for Hope!
Sing for Wisdom!
Sing to Win and Overcome!

Leave a comment or email me and let me know how I can pray for you.
Take the time to encourage one another and share a song that has given you hope in the midst of a difficult time.

Here is a long time favorite artist of mine.
Janny Grein was one of the pioneers of Christian Music in the 70's.
She continues to minister and sing and has become a precious friend and mentor of mine.
If you would like more information please go to her website - www.janny.com. Tell her Vern sent you!

Be Inspired to Sing!


MORE THAN CONQUERORS ~ By Janny Grein

We've been made More Than Conquerors
Overcomers in this world.
We've been made Victorious
Through the Blood of Jesus Christ.

If trouble comes knocking at your door.
Dont be afraid - it's not like before.
Don't you give in - don't let it bring you down.
You do not have to worry anymore.

Jesus said - there would be tribulation.
But He said " I have overcome".
Brothers and Sisters well now's the time to stand.
Don't you know the battles all are won!

We've been made more than Conquerors ~ Overcomers in this life!
We've been made Victorious ~ Through the Blood of Jesus Christ!

Hold on - we are getting stronger everday.
There is no reason for you to go astray
Don't be leaning to your understanding
Lean on Him and we will all say...

We've been made more than Conquerors ~ Overcomers in this life!
We've been made Victorious ~ Through the Power of God's Word!


PRAISE HIM ~ Janny Grein

If any man be in Christ - then he has become a new creation.
Old things are passed away.
Behold everything has become new in him.
God know longer knows the things that brought you to this place before you came here.
He only see's you holy now - faultless and blameless as your standing there.

Praise Him!
Lift your hands and Praise Him.
Praise Him!
Praise the name of Jesus!

Through the blood of Jesus.
His righteousness is like the robe upon Him.
Flowing and covering His Garment of Praise will now adorn you.
You will live and reign forever as Kings and Priests and Sons(Daughters) that He will call His own.
His blood is flowing in you now - Royalty has finally found a home in you.

Praise Him!



Praise be to the Lord, for He has heard my cry for mercy.
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped.
My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.
Psalm 28:6-7

I AM BACK!

The past several weeks I have taken a break from blogging...but I am back!

Here is what I have been up to...

* Staying in my pj's till afternoon! I am not kidding!

* Seeking God for wisdom and guidance regarding the remainder of this year and the upcoming year.

* Praying for upcoming events and speaking engagements.

* I performed with Ali Bug during a halftime show featuring the dancers and their moms. That was hillarious and sweet!!

* Rick and I went to the Neil Diamond concert. It was part of our Anniversary celebration. The girls had given us a gift certificate to a nice Italian Restaurant on our anniversary so we thought it would be good to use it before we headed to the concert. The evening was so wonderful!
We loved the place we ate at and the concert was really good. One song that we loved was - Man of God, Man of Faith. His older classics were great but this song was our overall favorite.
Have you ever heard it? Tell me what you think and if you know anything about his beliefs.

* On the 15th I spoke at Community Bible Church - Wed Ladies Bible Study. I have prepared for this speaking engagement the past couple of months and looked forward to this message. They have been doing a study on the Psalms and Worship. My topic specifically was about Giving Thanks. I love the Psalms and talking about Worship - plus I have a lot to give thanks about so this was something I really loved preparing for and participating in.
When I arrived at the church and set up for the message I could not find my folder and immediately remembered I had it out to write something I thought of that morning and did not put it back in my bag. I did not panic - which is not typically my nature! It was cool because God had His way for sure! I had no notes and just let the Lord flow with what was planted in me and what He spoke to me as I stood on that stage. My dear friend Allison covered me in prayer and even though it did not go the way I had thought, the results of the Ladies sharing their testimonies at the end was evidence the Lord was taking care of what He purposed that day.
I thank the Lord for His creative idea He led me to do for the open and close of the message. The card board testimonies were really powerful and freeing!
I thought my original message was just for me but I am thinking now that it was purposed for another time. Maybe it will appear on this very blog...or at a church near you!

* Celebrated Caty's 14th Birthday!! A Big Thank You to Dr L., who rescheduled Caty's 5th round of chemo so she could have a party. We also celebrated that she is Kickin The Cancer in the butt! The kids all had a great time laughing, dancing and playing goofy games! It was a great time that we all will never forget! Watching her have this great time made us all forget she even had that stuff!

That is all I got for you today...but I AM BACK!!
You all take care and hope to hear from you soon!

Be Inspired!
Vern

WOW - Part II

Here are some pictures from my WOW! Saturday and a review of what the day was like.

The day started with our Mug N Muffin ladies fellowship event.
Our guests that day all shared inspiring testimonies. I am grateful for their willingness to participate in this day. Those in attendance were greatly encouraged with their messages of hope! THANKS LADIES!!

Be Inspired by their stories...

SHARLET L. ~
Is a friend that has impacted my life with her, courage, wisdom and reflection of Jesus. At Mug N Muffin she gave us a glimpse into the worst day of her life. On that day Sharlet and her girls said goodbye to Chip (husband/father) as he left for Afghanistan. IF that was not difficult enough she then drove herself to an appointment only her and Chip knew about. The appointment was for a biopsy to be done on a mass that was recently discovered in her breast. When the nurses heard that Chip was leaving on that same day they told Sharlet her biopsy could be re-scheduled for another day...Sharlet's response was "No, this day was already going to be a bad, hard day as it was ...Why ruin 2 days?!" It is with that type of attitude and strong will that she went through her breast cancer battle, took care of her 2 daughters, got a job, and prayed & supported her husband while he was serving in Afghanistan this past year.
As we prepared for Sharlet to share her testimony I was captured by her prayer to get out of God's way. God was beautifully glorified through her that day!

Trust Me in your times of trouble and I will rescue you, and you will give Me the glory.
Psalm 50:15

SUZIE B. ~
I met Suzie through June, a good friend & warrior of both of ours.
Suzie's background has been difficult and her former lifestyle of abusing drugs and making wrong choices has taken a toll on her physical body. Last November her doctors gave her grim news about her heart and lung condition and scheduled her for surgery the following week.
At Mug N Muffin Suzie was joined by her friends June and Lori. They shared the miracle story of Suzie's healing that took place at our ladies retreat last year. The retreat was held the weekend before Suzie's scheduled surgery.
When Suzie arrived at the retreat she was not in good condition. She had difficulty walking any distance and was only able to breath through the assistance of an oxygen tank.
By Saturday afternoon she was healed and walking briskly without the oxygen and enjoying the remaining retreat experience!! Praise the Lord for his healing touch that was delivered through unexpected circumstances and for the obedience of the messenger (Lori) to go hold Suzie and tell her that she was loved and that the Lord had a new heart for her. Lori had never seen or met Suzie. It was a miracle that Suzie even let her hug and hold her because she was not the mushy hugger type and her heart was angry and hurting! The Lord's embrace warmed her from her feet to her chest and gave her a new heart full of joy, peace and hope! To this day she is breathing without an oxygen tank and continues to be strengthened and filled with the powerful knowledge & love of Christ!! Hallelujah!!

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
James 1:5-6


CATY M ~
A 13 year old freshmen who is encouraging others through the most difficult journey of her life.
On July 14th family and friends got a text alerting them to start praying. Caty's doctor had discovered a mass on her back and was admitting her to the hospital for further testing. When I received that text I was away working at kids camp and was blown away at the message. Two days later I was shaken we got the news that she was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma Cancer. It is a rare teen cancer that usually is not detected as early as Caty's was.
Ever since that day Caty has used every opportunity to tell others about Jesus Christ and encourages everyone to pray!
While she was at Youth Camp just weeks before her diagnosis, she felt the Lord was speaking to her to share the gospel message with 300 people. She thought that it might be that she would invite 300 youth to her home for the youth elevate bible study group. The Lord had other plans and today her message of courage and hope has expanded beyond 300 people.
Her testimony has been shared with thousands of people that visit her caring bridge site, watch her utube video or hear her live in person. Her persistent spirit and prayers have paved a way for her to accomplish things during this difficult season. Things that doctors and others said were not possible have been made possible through prayer and provision of the Lord!
Her advice to someone who gets a negative report...open the Bible, read it and pray!!
She has just completed her 4th round of chemo. Praise the Lord the tumor is responding and shrinking!
You can read more about her story on my blog posts titled Prayer Journal for Caty M.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10

Me (on the right) interviewing Caty and her mom.

Me with our special guests. From left to right - Suzie B., Vern (that's me with my hair straightened!), Caty M., Sharlet L.

All Glory to God for what He did that morning!

Now for the Concert Update from Saturday night.

It was phenomenal!! Here are few pictures I was able to snap while back stage!

This is Robert Randolph and his band...He was amazing on that steel guitar!

This is Jon from Switchfoot. He went way out into the audience and sang. Now that was worth the ticket price for that audience! They loved it!! Sorry my picture is not that great...I was rushing to get my camera so I could capture this moment!

Third Day's bus...and rug. I wiped my feet on it...just kidding!

Between the ladies event and the concert stuff...We had a full exciting day. Here are more pictures...

Ali Bug and Caty after a full day of activities they are still smiling and having fun!

Caty, Colin (her bro) and Mac Powell- of Third Day after the concert. This was an opportunity they will never forget! Colin looks like he is about to faint!

The Girls Rockin Out!

Ali Bug with Colin at the concert. He is the little brother she never had.

Thanks for stopping by!

Be Inspired,

Vern