Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Half Marathon is now SOLD OUT

Ok, the Half Marathon is now sold out. I do think they may have a few spots left if and only if the person signs up to be a HERO. The other runs typically are not to far behind the half in filling up, so if you have plans or know of anyone who is considering registering, please let them know... IT'S TIME.

I do not have any real news from the kiddo's. Jack will be coming back for his scans in a week or so, as will little Trevor. Preston will be back about the same time to begin his treatment in preparation for his transplant. Please be praying for all of these kiddo's. Also, please continue to pray for Ryan. Pray they find a donor SOON.

BELIEVE PRAYER WORKS~

GOOOOOO TEAM BELIEVE!!!!

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Hotel Information for Marathon Weekend

Several have ask about the hotel information, so I am re-posting the info for you. Please call and get your room confirmed as soon as possible so we are able to make sure we have enough rooms for everyone. We can always add more rooms this far out, but the closer we get to the date, the less likely we will be able to add rooms. Just a reminder, the price per night they have arranged for us is half of what the room charge is normally. So I really would hate for anyone to have to pay full price if you don't get a room in our reserved block of rooms. Let me know if you have any problems getting your room confirmed.


I encourage you to get registered and get your page set up as soon as possible. Our goal for this year is $20,000.00. I have no doubt WE CAN MAKE THAT GOAL! As you know, each year if you raise at least $1,000.00 by a certain date, you received a free ticket to the St Jude/Alsac Pasta Party. Some of our members have accomplished this but not all so, we have had our own dinner so we could all be together. One of the changes for this year is they have set the amount you must raise to get a free ticket to the Pasta Party hosted by St Jude/Alsac to $500.00 raised by November 26, 2010. Team, $500.00 IS NOT THAT MUCH TO RAISE! I want to challenge everyone on our team to raise that $500.00! Set a goal for yourself, keep in mind those kids that depend on these funds, and see what you can do with it!

Our block of rooms are set up and they are ready to begin taking your calls to confirm your room accommodations for the Marathon Weekend. The hotel is the same as last year, Holiday Inn & Suites * 2751 New Brunswick Rd. * Memphis, TN 38133. When you call to confirm your room on your credit card, you must ask to speak with Sybil Sides or Gina Porter. These are the only ladies who can make sure you are getting in the right block of rooms and getting our very special team rate. Tell them you are a member of Team Believe for the St Jude Marathon. Call them diectly at 901-266-1952. I have a limited number of rooms that I can block at this time, so there again, I would not wait on this. When you call in to confirm your room, you will give them your credit card information, but you will not be billed until after your stay the weekend of the marathon. They will be forwarding me a list of the team members who have reserved a room, so I will keep an eye on it and do the best I can to make sure everyone gets a room.

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend. How's your fundraising going?

BELIEVE PRAYER WORKS~

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Don't Hesitate

Just a quick note to let you know that as of yesterday August 24, 2010 the Half Marathon for the December St Jude run is now 76% full. They have been saying all along that they predicted it to be completely sold out by Labor Day. Looks like they are pretty much right on. If you plan to participate in the Half Marathon, I would get registered NOW. The price goes up in a few days, so people are going to be getting registered to beat the price increase. I don't want you to miss out. We still have some of our "regulars" not registered yet, I hope that you do plan to come but have just not had time to get registered.

GO TEAM BELIEVE!! Let's raise our 20,000.00 for St Jude with PRIDE!!!

BELIEVE PRAYER WORKS~

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Yesterday, Sweet Tears and Smiles!




Yesterday I had the honor of being the delivery lady for the Dunfords. Michelle had ordered cupcakes to be taken to St Jude to the different departments where Elizabeth was treated during her stay at The Jude. Yesterday marked one year since sweet Elizabeth went home to heaven. The family wanted to show their very deep appreciation to St Jude for everything done for Elizabeth. This is so like them, always thinking of others even in their time of pain and sorrow. Say an extra prayer for them and for the staff at the hospital. It was very apparent by their reactions yesterday that they too were hurting during this very sad milestone.


I want to introduce you to Preston. He is for sure a cutie pie! Those big dark eyes just make you smile.As I got to the hospital yesterday, with 80 gigantic beautiful pink cupcakes, I ran into Preston, his mom and his Ma. As you can see, he enjoyed a cupcake too! He loves Thomas The Train, so I had found a really neat travel play set that I took to him yesterday... so he was a happy camper yesterday. Giant cupcake and Thomas! He made me smile! My oldest son, Tyler was with me, so he got to meet Preston too. Tyler has such a heart for these kids and he is just a kid magnet anyway. I think Preston thought it was cool to have a big guy picking at him too. They still do not have a definite date for transplant, so please keep that specific prayer on your list. Pray for the donor to be able to give them a harvest date, and that all will go smoothly and they can get this process started soon.








Pray for all of those hurting and suffering pain from the loss of their loved ones. Please include specifically Dina. She is really struggling over the loss of Mikey. Pray that she can find some peace.

Team Believe... how's your training coming? Let's see those dollar signs going up on our team goal page!!

BELIEVE PRAYER WORKS~

Monday, August 16, 2010

Welcome Gabriella and Mia

There are two new beautiful baby girls in this world this week. Dr Sara and husband, Tom, welcomed their beautiful twin girls into their lives. Everyone is doing great! I think Sara is a bit overwhelmed, and understandably so! Who would not be? Sara and Mia went home on Saturday, Mia had to stay a couple of extra days, but she was supposed to go home to be with her family today. I am trusting that did happen. These baby girls just do not have a clue how lucky they are to have Tom and Sara for their parents. I certainly hope they stay around Memphis for years to come so we can watch them grow up. Prayers of praise for two beautiful healthy baby girls.

Michelle was in town this weekend. It was so good to see her! Tomorrow is the 17th, one year since sweet Elizabeth earned her wings. The pain has not gotten any better, but MIchelle is steadily putting one foot in front of the other and trying to take each day as a blessing. She commented today that there were small simple things in life that she sees and believes that they are small reminders and signs from Elizabeth to her and others around. She said she feels those little things were probably always there anyway, but now her outlook on life brings attention to even the smallest things that we take for granted. A big lesson we can all learn. Things happens around us everyday, but we do not think anything of them or even notice them. However, when life gives you a jolt, like losing a child, you tend to take each day moment by moment and see everything. Truly SEE everything. Please say some extra prayers for DJ, Michelle, Charlie and Andrew tomorrow as they face a very emotionally tough day. If your out and about, stop by and pick up a balloon, pink if you can get one, and send it up to heaven to celebrate Elizabeth's life. Take a few minutes, leave a word of encouragement and let DJ and Michelle know that Elizabeth is not forgotten and that you are with them in thought and prayer. If you send up a balloon, let them know you did that too! I think on such a dark hard day, that will bring a smile and comfort to them. No one ever wants to think their loved one has been forgotten with time. Tomorrow I will be doing a favor for DJ and Michelle, it's an even bigger honor for me to get to do it. Michelle has ordered 80 light pink cupcakes with hot pink hearts on them for me to deliver to the hospital to the medical staff in the different departments. I just thought that was the sweetest thing for her to do, and I am so honored to be able to be the one to take them up for them.

So, Team Believe members and supports.... how's your fundraising going? Don't forget that the cost for registration goes up at the end of this month.

Hope your week has gotten off to a great start! Pray for the kiddo's!

BELIEVE PRAYER WORKS~

Friday, August 13, 2010

Update on Ariel



Ariel's scans were great!! She remains CANCER FREE! The spot is still showing on her lung, but there is still no change in it. Hopefully just some type of scar tissue. She and her family were headed to Alabama for a Weekend Youth Retreat with their youth group from church when they left Memphis. Pray a prayer of praise and thanksgiving for her continued good health and also pray for safe travels for them. She is really enjoying the beginning of her senior year. She and Amber are both off to a very busy start to a very busy year. I am so thankful that she is doing so well and able to finish out her high school career with all of her classmates and her twin sister.

Have a great weekend. Keep your eyes on the Lord, and your heart in love with His word.

Pray for all of the St Jude kiddo's, their families and the medical staff there. I would also ask for you to pray for those who through their generosity keep the doors open and the research going at St Jude. I think of the widow's mite, she did not have very much, but it was the world to the one that it mattered the most too. Please make a donation to Team Believe. No amount at all is to small or to big. Speaking of Team Believe, Ariel and her family will be joining our team this year!!! WooHoo!!!

Thursday, August 12, 2010

New Kid On The Block

Good HOT HOT HOT afternoon!! I really hated to see summer break come to an end, but if summer is going to be over, I'm ready for this heat to be over too! Today it has topped out at over 100 degrees, with a heat index of around 117 degrees. WAY TO HOT!


Gonna make this quick... I have to leave to go meet up with Ariel and family for dinner.

I got to officially meet the new family today. PRECIOUS little boy! I will post his Caringbridge link with "Our Friends" please go check him out, follow him along this journey. As you can imagine, it's all new to them, very overwhelming at times and they can certainly use your prayers and your words of encouragement in their guest book. His name is Preston, he has Aplastic Anemia and will be undergoing a transplant in the next few weeks. Please be praying for him and his family.

I also have another child for you to please add to your prayer list. He is 7 and is in ICU at LeBonheur. He has had a major brain bleed, has undergone brain surgery and is currently in a coma. This little guy is from my hometown area, he is actually the child of one of my cousins, cousin on her dad's side of the family. I visited with them at the hospital today, the situation is not the best, he really needs all of the prayers he can get. He needs a major miracle. His name is Joshua, he has a twin brother and a little 4 year old sister. Please be praying for him and his family. This has just happened in the past few days, I shared with them today about Caringbridge, so hopefully they will be able to have someone set up a page for him soon. If they do, I will give you his CB page and you can follow him too. As of this afternoon they have given them a diagnosis of Mayo Mayo (sp?????) It is very rare and most often found in children between the ages of 6 and 15 and found mainly in the Asian population. He is in a coma and on the vent at this time. Please be on your knees in prayer for him and all of the other children we follow.

I'll update more info as I know it. Just be praying!

BELIEVE PRAYER WORKS~

Monday, August 9, 2010

Jesus Loves ME

I just had to pass this along to you. I received this in an email today from a sweet friend, much younger than I am. I'm not sure if she was trying to say I am old or what, but I don't care, I am so glad she sent it. I never thought about it, but it is in our mature years that we can truly appreciate some of the simple things meant for our children. Sing it loud, and sing it with heart, YES, JESUS LOVES ME!!


> While watching a little TV on Sunday instead of going to church, I watched a church in Atlanta honoring one of its senior pastors who had been retired many years. He was 92 at that time and I wondered why the church even bothered to ask the old gentleman to preach at that age.
>
> After a warm welcome, introduction of this speaker, and as the applause quieted down, he rose from his high back chair and walked slowly, with great effort and a sliding gait to the podium. Without a note or written paper of any kind he placed both hands on the pulpit to steady himself and then quietly and slowly he began to speak....
>
> "When I was asked to come here today and talk to you, your pastor asked me to tell you what was the greatest lesson ever learned in my 50-odd years of preaching. I thought about it for a few days and boiled it down to just one thing that made the most difference in my life and sustained me through all my trials. The one thing that I could always rely on when tears and heartbreak and pain and fear and sorrow paralyzed me... The only thing that would comfort was this verse...... .....
>
>
>
>
> "Jesus loves me this I know.
> For the Bible tells me so.
> Little ones to Him belong,
> We are weak but He is strong.....
> Yes, Jesus loves me....
> The Bible tells me so."
>
>
>
>
> When he finished, the church was quiet. You actually could hear his foot steps as he shuffled back to his chair. I don't believe I will ever forget it.
>
> A pastor once stated, "I always noticed that it was the adults who chose the children's hymn 'Jesus Loves Me' (for the children of course) during a hymn sing, and it was the adults who sang the loudest because I could see they knew it the best."
>
> "Senior version of Jesus Loves Me"
>
> Here is a new version just for us who have white hair or no hair at all. For us over middle age (or even those almost there) and all you others, check out this newest version of Jesus Loves Me.
>
>
>
> JESUS LOVES ME
>
> Jesus loves me, this I know,
> Though my hair is white as snow
> Though my sight is growing dim,
> Still He bids me trust in Him.
> (CHORUS)
> YES, JESUS LOVES ME.. YES, JESUS LOVES ME..
> YES, JESUS LOVES ME, FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.
>
> Though my steps are oh, so slow,
> With my hand in His I'll go
> On through life, let come what may,
> He'll be there to lead the way.
> (CHORUS)
>
> When the nights are dark and long,
> In my heart He puts a song..
> Telling me in words so clear,
> "Have no fear, for I am near."
> (CHORUS)
>
> When my work on earth is done,
> And life's victories have been won.
> He will take me home above,
> Then I'll understand His love.
> (CHORUS)
>
> I love Jesus, does He know?
> Have I ever told Him so?
> Jesus loves to hear me say,
> That I love Him every day.
> (CHORUS)



To love others and to be loved the way Jesus loves us is such a wonderful gift. Let's not take it for granted. If there is someone in your life that you love, make sure you tell them today and everyday or every time you have a chance to talk to them. There is not a greater feeling on this earth than to know you are loved.

Please add to your prayer list our little Ryan. He really needs a miracle, but more specifically right now, please be praying for a donor to be found. They are trying to get him to transplant, which will be his third, but right now if they find a donor he is a candidate for a 3rd transplant.

Don't forget, if you plan to register for the St Jude Marathon in December, the prices on registration go up September 1st. Our team is looking good, there is always room for more! We have set a goal of $20,000.00 for this year. If you can't join us, please make a donation. You can do it online by clicking on the link in the top left corner of this blog page or if you would rather mail a check, email me and I'll give you and address to mail the check. All checks must be made payable to St Jude Children's Research Hospital. Please consider any amount, a $10.00 donation, the cost of a lunch plate will make a huge difference for a child fighting for his/her life. Will you really miss that 10.00 at the end of the week?

Stay safe, have a blessed week.

BELIEVE PRAYER WORKS!

Mardecia
rebelmom528@aol.com

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Beautiful Start to a New Week

I just got this and wanted to add it to today's post. This was so powerful to me... It's a msg from Lori, Trace's mom.

Just wanted to let everyone know we are home and Trace is doing great. I apologize to all of you who sent concerned texts and got no response...I did not have my cell phone with me; however, I knew you were praying and for that, I am forever grateful. Headed to bed so we can make it to church and give a testimony to the Power of Prayer...thanks again. Much ♥...Lori

********

I don't know about where you are, but here in Memphis it is absolutely beautiful today. Now, do not confuse beautiful with mild temps. It is so hot you can cook outside, and I'm not referring to the grill. More like the patio table top or the sidewalk :)

I'm sorry I did not do a better job of keeping you posted on Trace, he was able to come home from the hospital yesterday. This accident was so scary but it is yet another incident where God has shown his mercy and his grace and his power to make whole again. Trace came off of the vent with no problems, his lung is healing. He will remain on some antibiotics and anti seizure meds for now. Praise God for answered prayers.

This week will be a busy week around the Jude. Ariel will be coming on Wednesday. This will be her big week of test. Please pray for her to get clear scans and great results on all of her test. Prayers for safe travel are always appreciated.

Little Trevor will be in this week for his chemo too He past few times that he has received his treatments, he has had some problems afterwards for a few days. Please pray for him to feel good after this round and for him to have safe travel too. HIs mom and dad have been enjoying a much needed vacation. They celebrated their anniversary this month, so they went to Cancun for a honeymoon getaway! It's so wonderful they were able to get away for a little bit for some mom and dad time.

The new little guy (Preston) will be coming in this week to begin the process of his transplant. I believe his first clinic visits begin on Wedensday. This is the little guy I mentioned in an earlier post that has Aplastic Anemia. Please be in prayer for him and his family. This will be a long stay here in Memphis once they get started. Dad will be staying home to work, mom will be here with him. I'll give you more info and a CB page once I meet up with them.

Prayers requested also for the families of those who have lost their babies this year. Regardless of age, they are the babies to their families and loved ones. Not to go into any personal details, but there are a couple in particular that are really in need of prayer. God knows who they are and what their needs are, but if you can lift them up and pray for God's comfort on them and for God to lead them in decisions they are having to make at this time. Please pray for their marriages and their relationships with all of those that love them so much. Sometimes, when one loses someone, the anger and pain of the loss can really take a toll on those that love them the most.

I pray that each of you will have a very blessed, safe and wonderful week. Keep Christ in the center of each day, it definitely makes a huge difference.

Support Team Believe in our efforts to raise money for St Jude.

BELIEVE PRAYER WORKS~

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Urgent Prayers Needed

UPDATE ON TRACE:

Received this from Lori early this morning:

Yesterday, Trace had a near drowning experience... EMT assessment and X-ray were normal... Went to inlaws for observation, 20 min into a nap, he had a seizure, vomited, and aspirated. 911 called and transported to LeBonheur. Found left lung collapsed. Put on vent and sedated but now weaning off both. Thanks for your prayers and please continue. Will try to update often.

Please continue to pray for the Bolton Family. I'll let you know as Lori is able to let us know. She is a friend of all of the Team Believe (Memphis Chapter) members.

*************

Prayers are being requested for a sweet friend of mine here in Memphis tonight. The Bolton family is a very sweet young family with five precious children. Their youngest, Trace, is a special needs child in need of prayer. Details right now are rather sketchy, I don't want to give out incorrect information so for now I am going to give the basics as I have them. Late this afternoon the family was swimming and there was an incident where one of Trace's water wing floaties came off, Lori got to him and got him out. I am not sure what happened at that point, but he is now in LeBonheur. The info we have is that his lungs were clear, but he began having seizures and throwing up. Not sure what is going on, hopefully we will have more details soon. Prayers have been requested, so I am passing this on to the best group of prayer warriors that I know. Thank you so much!!

Next week, Ariel will be coming back for her big check up. They will be doing all of the big test and scans. Keep her in your prayers that all will be clear. Little Trevor will be coming back for his chemo.

I have received an email about a new patient that will be coming to St Jude this next week for a transplant. He is a precious little 2 year old boy with Aplastic Anemia. This is the same diagnosis as Mallerie and Morgan. Please be praying for him and his family. I believe he is an only child. As I have more contact with them, I will give more info and post his CB page. They do have a donor, it is a non family 7 out of 8 match. Please be praying for a successful transplant.

Also, this is a biggie... please keep Dina in your prayers. She is really struggling right now. I can not tell you how desperately she needs your prayers and your encouragement. While she is not updating to much on Mikey's CB page, she is reading the comments. PLEASE, go to his page, double click on his name listed under "Our Friends" and PLEASE leave her a message of encouragement in the guestbook.

Please join Team Believe in our efforts to raise much needed money to support St Jude Children's Research Hospital. If you can not come to Memphis and join us, please make a donation of any amount to our team. You can click on the link in the top left part of this blog and it will take you directly to our team page where you can make a secure online donation. We have set a goal to raise $20,000.00. WE NEED YOUR HELP!! Thank you so much!

BELIEVE PRAYER WORKS~