In my previous news update, I told of a 3rd grader at my school who was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  Her story was aired last night on Fox17 News Nashville.  I am posting the link at the bottom of this update.  Please visit the link to get a better understanding of this family.  Makenzie’s Mom did state after the story aired that there was one misrepresentation.  The news stated her condition was “life threatening” and she says Makenzie will conquer this battle.  Her motto is “GO, FIGHT, WIN!”  Isn’t it amazing the strength and courage that God gives to 8 year-olds?  I know Makenzie will win this fight, and I know that we can help her through prayer!  Link is below:

http://www.fox17.com/newsroom/top_stories/wztv_vid_4357.shtml

It’s a beautiful start to my Saturday here in Tennessee…The skies are blue and there are few clouds in sight.  Shannon is in south Texas this weekend.  He sang last night in Cuero, Texas and reported he had a great time.  I know he is looking forward to his stop at Agua Dulce on Sunday, and he always likes to visit with his friends in the Corpus Christi area. 

Meanwhile, I am planning on a relaxing weekend because my feet and hands can’t take much more.  For some reason, they keep swelling at random times.  I know that it only gets better from this point.  At 23 weeks pregnant, I still have a long way to go.  I can’t tell you how thankful we are for all of the prayers and support we have received over the past few weeks.  It’s been amazing.  I’ve learned that when we are in need, God always places the faithful in our paths. 

Speaking of need, I have a request.  About the same time that we were awaiting results for Emme, a young 3rd grader at my school (Makenzie) was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  She has since had surgery to remove the tumor and the family was given the news that it was indeed cancer.  She has a long road ahead and is slowly regaining some strength.  The family is very special, Mom teaches with me at Stoner Creek Elementary and other siblings include an identical twin sister in the 3rd grade (Madison) and brother (Justin) in the Kindergarten.  Dad is a LifeFlight nurse for Vanderbilt.  Just the simple fact that Makenzie is a twin is special to both Shannon and I.  Many of you may not know that I am a twin, and Shannon has twin nieces. Anyhow, the Matthews are strong believers and have requested to be put on any/every prayer list that is possible.  You can read more about Makenzie at www.carepages.com/makenziematthews  You will have to register and log in, but it is free and a very simple process.  I know that all of you are faithful with prayer, so let’s put this family at the top of our list!

On the subject of school, I only have one week left to teach before the Fall Break begins.  Shannon’s schedule is full during my time off, but we are planning a little R&R.  He will be singing in Beebe, Arkansas next weekend and then we will travel to one of our favorite places, The Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, Missouri.  While we are in Missouri, we plan on visiting a restaurant that we found out about earlier in the year called Lambert’s.  If you’ve never had an opportunity to go to Lambert’s you must try.  It’s plates full of food and of course some ‘throwed rolls too.  I am looking forward to our week of vacation together.  Shannon’s schedule is very hectic for the remainder of the year (what a blessing!) so we wanted to take advantage of our last opportunity to spend time together alone before the baby comes.  On our way back, he will sing in Louisville, KY and Cynthiana, KY.  It’s always nice when I get a chance to travel with him.

I guess that’s about it for now, I’ve not written in awhile and wanted to share while I had a free minute.  We love you Bunches! Until then…

Baby Bunckin Update

To say that Melissa and I are relieved and elated would be an understatement!  But it was good news late yesterday evening when Dr. Jeanty’s office called us with the preliminary results of Baby Bunchkin.  We will receive the detailed report in a few days, but the good news is the bad news was wrong.  Keep watch on the Blog News section of the website for further details.  We are still very interested to read the final comments to better understand why these “markers” for Down’s syndrome had occurred.  This will be an educating process for many of us.  However, I also want to note, that by no means do I share my news in a boasting kind of way.  For we know that there are parents who have special needs kids, and this is not intended to be insensitive to their situations. 

Melissa and I, though very scared, had submitted to God’s will for our life.  That very first night while I was still in Louisville, KY I knelt beside my bed and began to pray for this situation.  Here are my words verbatim.  “God, above all things I want You to…”, then I hesitated.  Now I was thinking in my mind, “God, above all things I want you to correct and heal this situation.”  However, the Holy Spirit interrupted me and this was my final & revised thought of prayer.  “God, above all things I want You to be glorified.”  Trust me, it wasn’t easy to find the strength for that prayer.  But that is exactly where God wanted us in this situation.  He wanted us to trust in His Word, (Romans 8:28) that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

In closing, I need to make another clarification regarding a statement I made in the last email.  It was misunderstood by some.  However, although we were asked by physicians if we would terminate the pregnancy, it was never our intent to do so.  We had already firmly answered the doctor with a “No.”  This circumstance simply brought Melissa and I to a more defined and compassionate level to those who are faced with these very tough questions.

In case you did not know, Baby Bunchkin is girl.  She is named Emme Blu (pronounced Emmy Blue).  Check out Baby Bunchkin link to see where Emme Blu is registered.   

Don’t forget that we love you and appreciate your love, prayers and support during a very difficult week. 

I write to you tonight from Nashville as I have taken a brief hiatus from the National Quartet Convention.  Many of you are receiving this update for the very first time.  There has just simply not been enough time to call and/or email this prior to tonight.  I will be as brief and detailed as I can with the following information. 

Monday afternoon as I am sitting in Louisville, KY at the National Quartet Convention (NQC) Melissa calls me from Nashville.  She has just left the doctor’s office for what was supposed to be a routine checkup.  This was the first doctor’s visit she has made without me, and the doctor had just shared some rather disturbing news.  Needless to say emotions were running very high as she was digesting and relating the following statements. 

Let me preface this paragraph by sharing that Melissa and I opted for genetic testing for several chromosomal defects earlier in the pregnancy and those results were NEGATIVE.  Dr. Jabusch, our obstetrician, shared that during the last ultrasound, when we found out we had a little girl on the way, two abnormalities had been discovered.  There was an elevated thickness of tissue around the baby’s neck, and there was a small “spot” on the baby’s heart.  These are called “markers” for the possibility of Down’s syndrome.  She then gave us an appointment for a specialist here in Nashville who is perhaps the most sought after doctor in his field.  Upon review of yet another ultrasound today there were three other “markers” for Down’s syndrome discovered.  Let me say that according to the information we have, these are only “markers” not necessarily indicators, and by far not all conclusive.  In the majority of cases these “markers” resolve themselves and baby is normal.  Had only one of these markers been present, there would have been no further tests.  However, we opted today to have amniocentesis.  Amniocentesis is a test performed to determine the health, sex, or genetic constitution of an unborn baby by taking a sample of amniotic fluid through a needle inserted into the womb of the mother.  This test alone increased her chances of miscarriage to 1 in 200.  (These are numbers according to medical studies.)  However, Dr. Jeanty (our radiologist/specialist today) shared that having performed countless amniocentesis procedures over the past 30 years, not one patient had ever miscarried to his knowledge.  It will take 7-10 days to have final results as the baby’s cells must be harvested from the amniotic fluid and then grown. 

Since the release of this news at NQC on Monday, countless prayers have been offered.  Even during my performance yesterday at the Kentucky Fair & Expo Center, emcee and Christian artist/comedian, Tim Lovelace stopped me in the middle of my set to pray for me, and I have just learned that today during another showcase at NQC, again we were lifted up in special prayer.  I am grateful to be a part of the family of gospel music but most proud to be part of the family of God.  This has been a trying week but God has been faithful as His Grace continues to sustain us. 

I have already had the Holy Spirit teach me two lessons since yesterday.  And as many of you know, I am not the fastest learner.  But when the phone call first came I knew the following afternoon I would perform How Great Thou Art as my closing song for the showcase.  He, the Holy Spirit, whispered to me and asked, “Can you still sing that song and mean it?”  It took me but a moment and my spirit resounded, “YES!”   It’s easy to sing of the greatness of God when all in life is going well, but it takes something greater than us to reach beyond our sorrows and give Him the praise and adoration He deserves. 

The second lesson was a bit harder.  Melissa and I are very pro-life people.  And I feel we have never been critical or judgmental of others decisions when they have chosen to terminate a pregnancy.  Although we may not have agreed with the decisions made, it was so easy for us to sit back and say, “I could never do that.”  But when it “came home” to us, I very quickly realized how agonizing it is to think of bringing a challenged life into this world.  All at once your hopes and dreams of sharing musical talents, athletic gifts, and just simply doing normal activities that normal families do are being stripped from you.  And it hurts, but I’m confident that God has a plan.        

We have already been encouraged in so many ways.  Of course the most important form of encouragement comes from God’s Holy Word.  One of my best friends just shared with me two Scriptures that needed to be brought to our remembrance.  Matthew 21:21- “  And Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do what is done to the fig tree, but even if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea, it shall be done.”  I. Corinthians 10:13-“No temptation has overtaken you that is unusual for human beings. But God is faithful, and he will not allow you to be tempted beyond your strength. Instead, along with the temptation he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to endure it.” 

We are emotionally exhausted but spiritually challenged and encouraged.  Your prayers during this time are treasured beyond expression of words.  Melissa, Emme Blu, and I are thankful to call you our friends. 

We love you BUNCHES!

NOTE:  At this time Shannon will be returning to Louisville, KY for NQC Thursday and Friday nights (September 11-12) from 4:00PM-10:00PM each evening, booth 308.  Concerts for this weekend (September 13-14) in Jonesborough & Limestone, TN will go on as scheduled.             

I have many wonderful things to report in this edition of the B-List.  My website, www.shannonbunch.com has finally received a much needed makeover.  Let’s just say, if there was a television show for websites this would definitely be an EXTREME MAKEOVER.  Long-time friend of the ministry, Charles Myrick from my hometown in Barbourville, KY took the reins once again as webmaster and delivered the most commercial design this website has ever seen.  Many aspects have been streamlined for easier navigation, while new features have been added.  There are now defined links to my personal web pages for MySpace, YouTube, and now one for the Baby Bunchkin.  You’ll want to check this page out now.  We have released the long-awaited news as to the sex of the baby.  Are we having a boy or girl?  You find out for yourself.  Also the Bunchkin page has links to the baby’s registry for a few different retailers.  This will also be updated as time goes along.  More ultrasound pics are now available. 

New album, My Sunday Best, is now available for order.  The latest recording effort will be released on September 5^th!  Order your copy now.  Or if you wish, you may download the entire album right from the site.  All Shannon Bunch MUSIC and select SOUNDTRAX are now available.  My Sunday Best was recorded in Nashville, TN at  STUDIO.  Check out Brian, Greg and the gang online.  Show them some appreciation, too.  They did a great job!  And you know I’m not easy to work with!?  Well, sometimes.  This album includes 10 of my most requested songs from concerts over the past several years.  The list includes, He Set Me Free, Love Lifted Me, How Great Thou Art & Amazing Grace.  Some of these songs can be heard now on MySpace. 

National Quartet Convention begins next week in Louisville, KY!  You will find me at booth #308.  Seems like only a couple months since my last convention.  I will be there Monday, September 8^th-Friday, September 12^th, 4PM-10PM nightly.  I will perform for the NQC on Tuesday, September 9^th at the Kentucky Fair & Expo Center, East Hall.  This multi-artist concert begins at 12PM.  Go to www.natqc.com for ticket information.  Don’t forget I will be at booth #308.  If you’re there come by and sit a spell!

Enough about me, let’s talk about Melissa!  She is getting more round each day!  But the baby is growing weighing in at this time 10 ounces.  She and baby are doing great.  She is now 20 weeks and has had not one day of morning sickness.  Praise the Lord!  She does tire much easier than normal but that’s to be expected.  Of course when I tire easily it’s referred to as LAZY!  I’m hoping Melissa will pose for a “pregnant picture”.  Watch the website.  I’ll see what I can do.  Melissa received great news this week.  Although the school board issued Melissa a temporary license to teach full-time this year she still had two days of testing to receive permanent credentials.  Now she has passed her last PRAXIS test!  This is the federal & state mandated tests given to receive full certification to teach.  She now has a teaching license!  If only I could do something about her driver’s license?!  Let’s just say that her driving keeps me praying!

Now let’s talk about me again!  LOL!  As far as life on the road, it’s been a great year!  This was the busiest summer ever.  However, August only generated one date.  That wasn’t good for the bank account but my one date took me back to my hometown where I was the headliner for the gospel night at the Knox County Fair.  I got to see many familiar faces as well as some family.  This summer also honored me with another guest spot on The Gospel Greats with Paul Heil.  Although it aired on over 200 radio markets and XM Radio throughout the U.S. and Canada, you may have missed it.  If you did, go to the MEDIA section of the website and listen.  It’s just that easy!  (The Gospel Greats audio is used by permission and is NOT available for download, for PLAY ONLY.)  Not only does Paul produce the most award winning syndicated radio show in the business but also possesses the highest standards of integrity for the gospel music industry.

I have decided to release one more single to radio from the album Take Me There.  One Lamb, One Cross, One Time ships to radio early September via DJ Man Promotions.  I wrote this song only a few weeks before recording that album in late 2006 and quickly became a crowd favorite.  Maybe this will be my first top 10 hit!  Request it at your local radio station and send a message to XM radio, channel 34.  You can make the difference. 

This weekend kicks off the biggest fall tour schedule ever!  *As a new method of communication I’m only posting the dates and the cities in the B-List updates so be sure to check out all the details at www.shannonbunch.com.  So here is a quick look at soon upcoming events as….

THE BUNCH STOPS HERE…

September

6- DAYTON, OH

8-12- LOUISVILLE, KY

13- JONESBOROUGH, TN

14- JONESBOROUGH, TN

21- CENTRAL CITY, KY

21- LEWISBURG, KY

26- CUERO, TX

28- AGUA DULCE, TX

*Details for each city can be found on the schedule page at www.shannonbunch.com. 

I am as excited about singing as I have ever been!  I have a brand new album that will be released September 5, 2008.  This is my first HYMNS project to ever record.  For the past 10 years or more, I have used the second half of my concerts, sat at the piano, and taken requests from the crowd.  I have now recorded 10 of the most requested songs over the past 10 years.  What an album it is!  There are also three songs on there with only me at the piano and singing solo, no extra instruments or vocals.  You’ve been asking for it, now you got it!

Many thanks to Brian Eckert at Verge Studio here in Nashville for making this one of the easiest albums to ever record.  The musicians were top-notch.  The professionalism could not be beat anywhere!  Thanks Brian.  Check out their website, www.vergenashville.com. 

Also my official web site is getting a brand new look for the first time in almost 2 years.  I have just seen a preview of it, and let me tell you, it is going to be awesome!  The new look will be streamlined to allow easier navigation. 

Ya’ll hang in there with us.  We are almost finished!

-Shannon

A Bunchkin Is on the Way!  That’s correct.  Melissa and I are expecting our first child in January!  Here’s the kicker.  We are as surprised as you are!  It wasn’t until Melissa was 6 weeks pregnant that we discovered this situation.  Now going into our 11^th week, and two ultrasounds later, we are very much on our way to parenthood! 

As the website gets a new look in the coming weeks there will be a section devoted solely to baby news.  This will be called the Bunchkin Report.  Are you wondering why this title?  I have often heard people refer to small children as munchkins and with a personal twist we have Bunchkin.  For now you may go to a temporary image store where there are two pics of the most recent ultrasound.  This ultrasound was taken at 9 weeks.  You will notice one is black and white, which is a normal ultrasound; the other is tan colored, which is a 3D ultrasound.  Technology just amazes me.  And I know some of you will be seeing a 3D ultrasound for the very first time.  This is too cool!  Click here for pics.  As a side note, there are some facilities already performing 4D ultrasounds.      

In other news…

·         Speeds have shifted downward regarding the upcoming recording.  Due to financial shortfalls, this new album has been placed on hold.  However, options are being explored to get this off the ground as soon as possible.

·         Good news is that life on the road this summer has been the best in recent years.  Usually summertime brings a major decrease in my bookings.  May was quite slow with only two dates.  But June & July have proven to be much more productive.  However, August is now wide open and in need of dates.  If you or someone you know would like to reserve one of these available dates contact the office ASAP.  However, as you will note, I am booked almost to capacity for September through November.  When it rains, it pours!  It’s feast or famine!  Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don’t!  Well, you get the picture.

·         At the time of this news update I have learned that my aunt Dorothy Hamilton has passed away.  Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers in the coming days.  Melissa and I will be attending funeral services over the weekend in Kentucky.

·        

Dear God: Thank you very much for sending the money. However, I noticed that
for some reason you sent it through Washington, D.C., and the government
deducted $95 in taxes.