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

Our First Visit

Sorry I have been slow at getting another blog out.
There has been a lot of activity going on in our home...I will try to catch you up this week with last weeks happenings...so hang in there!!

Last week we went to visit our friend, Caty M, in the hospital....This was her first week to begin Chemo treatments and they were intense!

We had read her caring bridge website before going and talked to Courtney (her mama) so we knew she was loopy but when we got there...well...to say the least - she was Very entertaining!

I brought her a pair of my signature "Be Magnified Jesus" glasses and we took a picture with Joe Jonas...I did not have another pair of glasses for him...it might have made him look better!



As the seconds ticked away, Caty begins to perk up a little and pats the bed for Ali to sit with her. We were all laughing because Caty was so cute in her gesture...Ali was happy to join her friend and take a picture. I had to snap fast because her eyes would open and shut quickly!
You will notice Joe never changes his pose!




I captured another kodak moment when Ju Bean joined the picture and we enjoyed more laughter and communication with Caty. She was such a joy and shared some interesting facts. We are always learning from her!



Well, here is what can happen when you have Chemo and mix of other "cocktail" drugs that help you with nausea...or perhaps it was the company she had that day!


Even though our visit was sweet - we wished we never had to have that kind of visit again.


We left a part of our smile in that room that day and captured another part of Caty in our hearts.
When we went to the car we spent time thanking God for what we have and praying for Him to be strength and healing to Caty and her family.

He has already shown Himself in a grand way through this young life. We are anticipating much more of His Power and Love to explode through her amazing testimony as it ripples out and affects a wide range of lives - all over this world! From what I have read and seen...it has already begun!

I told Courtney that the strong foundation and courage that we are witnessing through Caty is a reflection of the legacy of faith that her and David have lived and passed down to their children...It is a beautiful thing to witness!!

Please continue to pray for her healing and her nausea...she has been real sick from this first round of treatments...but if you read her post today you will notice she still has the ability to proclaim that her God is able to...in her own words "kick a stupid little tumor in someones butt!"
(that is where her tumor is located.)

So be encouraged by this and know that whatever your "tumor" is in your life...God is able to conquer it - or kick its butt! I have no doubts!!

We rejoice today that Caty has been at home for a couple of days now and is trying to get some much needed rest and gets to enjoy visitors and family in her own casa.

Starting next week I will have a prayer calendar that will cover Caty's battle and all the details that go with it. We will not cease in our prayers and support until the Victory has been complete!

Thanks for caring for someone that many of you do not even know. What you pray and do for her - you are doing unto the Lord! What a blessing you are!

Please share with us any prayer requests of yours or comments on my blog...We would be honored to cover you in prayer - as well as pass on any encouragement to Caty.

Smother your loved ones with kisses!

Love you all,
Vern