He never lets me go…
April 11, 2007
First and foremost- thank you so much for all of your comments. I was blown away just now by reading all of them. I cant tell you how much they mean to me and my family. I totally and completely believe that Christ has His hands wrapped firmly around our family, and He has carried us and will continue to carry us. I have no doubt about that.
First the Neurosurgery appointment. Dr. Cassidy was very straight forward, which I am very thankful for. The tumor is in my front left lobe, it is quite large, and it is inoperable due to the fact that it is not “well formed” and is “entangled” with normal brain tissue. He was very optimistic yet cautious. He told us that if he were to choose a brain tumor, this would be his choice. It is a lower-mid grade tumor, which I am still trying to understand. He said that brain tumors aren’t classified as “cancer” because they do not spread, but there is a high possibility that it is malignant (still trying to understand that). We talked about treatment- he stated that because it is inoperable, he wants to do a brain biopsy next week. The results of that will tell us our next step. If they come back malignant then we will proceed to radiation. When we asked about “life span” he obviously said he couldn’t give us a definite, but that radiation would “double” my prognosis- he said that the average without treatment is 10 years- with treatment is 20 years. But then again, look at my Emma Grace- I tend to not believe averages.
We talked about my dizziness and how he didn’t believe that it was associated with my tumor. He sent me to an ENT specialist at 4pm. Dr. Silverstein does believe that it is related to my tumor, and has prescribed Ativan to make the world stop spinning. I have more tests with him tomorrow afternoon (3pm) to narrow (and nail) this all down.
I have an EEG scheduled for in the morning (8am). Dr. Cassidy wants to rule out the possibility of small seizures due to the location of my tumor (which would also explain the dizziness). Please pray for this test- for some reason it is really stressing me out.
Some people would look at the events of the last 24 hours in my life and think “she must have done something really horrible to deserve all of this”.. My answer to that- You don’t know my God. He is the God of Job, He is the God of Abraham, and His love for me and my family is unwavering. I believe what Satan intends for my harm- God will use for His glory I firmly believe that when I walk out of the other side of this, despite the location I find myself in, I will have been blessed and will have blessed so many lives. I read your comments to me, and am amazed that this “bend in the road” has had the ability to bring forth such a Growling of prayer at the feet of Christ. I am amazed. I will walk through this with the love and and friendship of my family and friends- I am not alone.
Be it cancer, radiation, or whatever else life throws my way- I will walk through it.
I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. Jeremiah 29:11
Now on to phase 2 - biopsy and radiation. I can do this…
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In other words: Play Nice
160 Responses to “He never lets me go…”
I would love to hear from you!
Thank you for letting us hear from you and being able to read your words and thoughts which so eloquently convey your strength and determination.
Continuing to pray but continuing to be blessed and ministered to by your witness!
~tonya
((hugs)) You’re not alone.
Heather,
Your attitude with all of this is absolutely inspiring. I’ve cried and prayed for you today and will continue to do so. You are a blessing to so many and your love for God is amazing. Thank you. You & your family will continue to be in my prayers.
With love,
Becky
Thank you for the updates. You will continue to be in my prayers. Know that you have people all over the world praying for you. ((hugs))
((hugs))
Oh Heather,
If I could only type through the tears….these are tears of joy as I read your words….words from the daughter of Our King!
May you rest solidly in His care and purpose for your life….He is far above average in His provision!
May you continue to draw comfort and peace knowing that there are literally hundreds, perhaps, even thousands of bloggers storming the gates of Heaven, filling it with the “incense of saintly prayers” on your behalf. We will pray for the EEG, we will continue to pray for your miracle. Yes, we are “growling” at the feet of Jesus–asking for His ressurrection power to heal your every cell; the very cells he formed together in your mother’s womb.
It’s back to my prayer closet for now! You have inspired each of us, even in the midst of this horrendous medical crisis….to be more like Jesus! You are most certainly His daughter….Your Father will never let you go!
Diane@ Partners in Prayer
You are a very brave and wise woman. I cry when I read your posts because they are so beautiful. I will continue to pray for you and your family.
Yes, you can do this, Heather. You’re one of the strongest people I know. And you are absolutely covered in prayer.
You have been in my prayers today. I will continue to lift you up.
Hi I came via Susanne’s post, I am so truly sorry to read about it.
I do believe though that the ‘bend in the road’ you mentioned can hold no fear for those immersed in the love Christ Jesus…so much so I named my blog A Bend in the Road. Perfect love drives out all fear. Nothing is impossible for our God.
My thoughts and prayers will be with you, I will ask my church to pray too.
I cannot imagine how you are feeling but I am so moved by your bravery and your honesty.
Many, many blessings.
Sarah
“He said that brain tumors aren’t classified as “cancer†because they do not spread, but there is a high possibility that it is malignant (still trying to understand that).” When I was diagnosed w/ ovarian cancer, my oncologist told me there were 600+ “things” that fell under the umbrella as cancer. Typically, how one thinks of cancer, is that it spreads to other areas. Depending on the “other areas” it is located is how they give the cancer a Stage and then a grade, such as 2b. While your tumor may be malignant (aka cancer) it sounds as if your Dr is trying to say it won’t spread throughout your body. Hope this helps you to understand. :0) I’ve been praying for you with a heavy burden all afternoon. Blessings!
Heather,
The only way through the valley is through it. Yes, with God as your provider, protector, and awesome God, you CAN do this and you will.
My heart and my prayers to you.
dawnz
It is already sounding more encouraging. We are praying at our house, and so blessed by your confidence in His love. How wonderful to know that His love is ever more steady — indeed Rock-solid — than our sometimes wavering confidence. Clinging to that Rock, we are here to help hold up your family’s arms in prayer. Till His purposes are accomplished in this. He is altogether worthy of our trust. I am so looking forward to another mighty testimony of His faithfulness!
I praise the Lord for the strength that He has given you to remain faithful even through this time of uncertainty.
I will be praying for you and your family.
~Annemarie
Hi Heather
You do not know me but I peak at your blog often and just the other day read Emma Grace’s story and by the end tears were rolling down my face…then I was reading your blog yesterday hearing the news about the tumor and I was again in tears. I am praying for you and your family and have not been able to keep you out of my mind today.
I can tell you know our God and what he is capable of…do not loose sight of that.
I will continue to pray!
Jen
The numbering of your days has already been accomplished before one of them even came into being. You “The Joyful Spirit” that your parents named you to be will see all the days of your life that your Creator created for you. No one can steal them from you. You are carved in the palm of His Hand, completely protected and completely immoveable. If God does not tell us the day nor the hour of the coming Messiah, you can bet He is keeping your days secret as well. Today is all God ever promises any of us, so Be encouraged as long as it is called today. Praying with my Heather for you. Because of Jesus, Bobbie
Heather,
Have you ever heard the song by Matt Redman, “Never Let Go”?
Here are the lyrics, they so fit your situation right now.
May God use this song to encourage you and carry you!
He is good,even in the storm of life!
Sandy
********
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I’m caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won’t turn back
I know You are near
And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?
Chorus:
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me
And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We’ll live to know You here on the earth
Chorus:
Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You
I have been praying for you and your family and your doctors all day. I cannot get you out of my mind and my heart, which means, you’re all God’s hearing from me. I will not stop storming heaven’s gates for you. Your attitude and heart towards this is amazing, brave and I have much to learn from you. Hang onto His grip…
And, from one home school mom to another, it’s okay to lighten up on school for a while to focus on other stuff. They’re learning buckets-full about real life and looking to God for day to day answers. I think the structure of some school on days you are up to it will help everyone, but go easy on yourself. Life happens, and they learn from us as we learn from Him.
Thanks for keeping us updated. Still praying constantly for you and your family.
Heather, your faith and courage are inspiring. Prayers for your strength through what is to come.
Dear Heather,
Thank you for putting your thoughts , feelings and diagnosis into your own words. You are a very strong , faith filled woman. You are right you are the daughter of the King. Praise be to God. I am praying for you . I will put you on all my prayer chains and know you are covered in prayer everyone that I saw today. Love and prayers to you and your family. I have a friend and Aunt that went through similar.
In his endless love,
Angel Mama ():)
Praying for you and your family. I’m amazed at your perspective on this; you are inspiring.
Heather, I haven’t quit thinking about you today. I am praying for you. Thank you for the updates, it helps me to know how to pray for you and your family.
I was reading through your sidebar post about why the name Especially Heather. God is using you just like you wanted. It may not be the way you would have chosen but surely He will use it for GOOD.
praying continually that God would be the strong tower you would run to… may you find rest beyond comprehension in His arms Heather.
Thank you for your update, and for being so open as you walk this road. I’m praying.
I am praying for you and your family.
Wow I am just seeing all these updates and had only seen the first one before. I am a prayer warrior and I will certainly be praying on your behalf, as well as your family.
I feel so content knowing you are in the middle of Gods will because he is the great physician, and he is bigger than this tumor.
I love you dear sister in Christ and may you rest in the arms of Jesus this nightYou are enveloped in prayer Heather.
I just want you to know I am thinking about you and continuing to lift you and your family in prayer. I know how hard something like this can hit when already going through another situation like Emma Grace’s health issues & Izzy’s near drowning. I can’t imagine how my children would take another hit, but I think we have all learned that God is good and that He loves us very much. We would lean on Him just like you are doing and you will (and are) be a blessing to those who know you. May God’s grace shine upon you and give you peace and strength.
blessings~
Annie
I saw a post on Jill’s blog.
I’m so sorry to hear that all of this is happening to anyone, but especially you. But, I appreciate the witness that you are being through all of this.
You and your family are in my prayers. I will keep dropping by for updates on your progess.
Heather, I’m just beginning to get to “know” you through Moms of Grace, and I am humbled and awed by your faith and strength of spirit. I believe that God will richly bless your faithfulness to Him, and that He still works miracles today. I am praying for a miracle…that you will be completely healed.
Thank you so much for sharing your life and heart with all of us! Big hugs to you!
I spent some time today reading your testimony and more about your daughter Emma. You are an amazing woman! I have linked to you asking for prayer and have many that read my blog that do not know Christ. It is exciting to me to know that they will read your words and see Him through you.
Wow, and I thought I was having a rough time. Today we had our 4th visit to the ER in the last few weeks, but nothing nearly like this. Know that you are loved by God, and that you are in His hands. Whatever happens will only be what He wills or allows. Satan be damned. (And I mean that in the most appropriate use of the term).
Heather, I saw your name on 5 Minutes for Moms and I’ve been thinking of you and praying for you since. You entered my mind several times today and prayers were said. I also prayed for your husband and children. As a mom and wife I know that I would be more concerned about them than myself. You have tremendous strength.
I envision the Good Lord holding you in “His Righteous Right Hand”.
God be with you Dear Sister.
Dear Heather,
When I read this my heart just went out to you. Your beauty is shown in your response in this post. I’m sure it’s overwhelming but I praise God that your foundation is in the Living Lord. I will be praying for you and your family whenever you come to mind. I have grown to really appreciate your family even though we’ve never met. I pray that God would raise up a standard in your home. I pray that He will bless you, keep you, and make His face shine upon you. You are loved in this great big blogosphere. Keep trusting in the Lord. We’ll be trusting Him for your family too. God bless!
Anyone who would think you must have done something bad to “deserve this” needs to have the truth spoken in love upside his/her head with a bat. And I’m just the blogger to do it. ;-)
still praying…
You are strong, and you can do whatever needs to be done! God has already brought you and your family through so much. Prayers will continue, be blessed and get some rest tonight, as impossible as that seems. May God give you a peaceful dreamless sleep, and you will wake tomorrow refreshed and renewed in Him.
LOVEY
ok. that was supposed to say LOVE YOU, not Lovey LOL!
First of all I am blown away at the thought that someone would associate this experience with you having done something really horrible or this being a result of ‘karma’ being returned back to you. I would venture to say it is that type of person who has no idea of who God really is. These kind of people tend to hide behind the facade of being a Christian in order to keep secret the true reality of their own hearts and lives.
I am so glad to see this latest update. It sounds promising and oh so encouraging! You go girl! God will touch hearts and work wonders as you walk this path.
We love you Heather. And we are petitioning our Father in Heaven in your behalf.
Heather - I don’t know you at all and am not even sure how I stumbled across your blog - but your courage in the face of such frightening circumstances is absolutely inspiring.
I spent a few hours reading through your blog last night and sobbing for all that you’ve had to go through - with your very, very sweet looking daughter - and now this horrible diagnosis.
I really, really hope everything goes as best as it possibly can for you - and that you get to have at least another fifty years with your lovely kids. The world needs people like you to stick around.
Rebecca
You wrote: Some people would look at the events of the last 24 hours in my life and think “she must have done something really horrible to deserve all of thisâ€
I don’t. I remember feeling that way about myself several years ago after I lost my fifth pregnancy. I took it in stride as punishment for my past, and believed it to be true for years. Then one day, I told someone, and he very defiantly said, “No way.” Jesus took that punishment to the cross for you, you don’t pay for your sins–He already did. I really felt encouraged by that because it made so much sense. Still praying for you.
I am praying for you Heather!
Charity
Just in your words of the past 24 hours, God is being glorified through this. You are an amazing woman and we have a beyond-amazing God - a God who loves us and loves to answer prayer.
Still praying…
AMEN!
You are covered in prayer!
blessings,
karla
I have requested further prayers on behalf of you, your husband, children and support system. I have so much to learn through you, Heather. Honestly.
Blessings,
~Toni~
I came over here via BooMama…I am praying for you. I do not understand people who assume struggles mean sin in someone’s life. Yes, our God is bigger than Satan, and we will never understand the reason for all our struggles here on Earth. My pastor reminded me several months ago that “in our weakness, He is made strong.” Amen!
I am glad that you are getting in so fast to see good doctors. Around here they putzy around for ages because we live in a remote area of PA. Basically the middle of no where.
What I want to say is, please be careful and don’t drive while being on ativan. It can be very sedating. Be careful.
Heather, you don’t know me but I just came over from Diane’s site to let you know you and your family are in my prayers.
Praying for your EEG tomorrow Heather. Your courage,faith and love for the Lord are an inspiration. We’ll continue on lifting you and your family before the throne of God.
You are in our prayers!
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Theresa
Delurking today to tell you that you have been in my thoughts and in my prayers continually today. You are an amazing woman of God and I praise Him that you can testify to having such a strong support group. We prayed today as a family for you at our meal times and for your family and all the logistics that will have to be worked out with your appointments and homeschooling and the children’s care. We know God already has those things planned for, but we’re trusting Him to reveal it to you at the right times, also. God bless you.
You amaze me. I’m not surprised at all, but I am still amazed. I’m passing you on and have no doubt that you are being lifted up 24/7.
Heather,
Sending you so much love and support….you CAN do this. You’re such an inspiration and I am in awe of your bravery.
Karen
xoxo
Girl, you CAN DO THIS, if anyone can, you are the woman and we are the people to support you 100%. My prayers and thoughts are with you completely.
The prognosis sounds much better than you initially thought from your web research. That is great news! Hang in there and we will keep praying. You are inspiring and God is glowing from your praise of Him.
Your post brought tears to my eyes but a smile to my face :) I love that verse that says what satan intends for evil God will use for good I cling to that alot. You are a true picture of faith, I appreciate you taking us along to watch your faith be made into sight. Prayerfully, xoxo melzie
i just heard of your condition today via karen with swank. after reading your entries and all about your daughter emma…you are truley unbelievable to stay so strong. remember god does not give us anything that we can not handle! and you are amazing how you handle all of this! many prayers your way…
I have no words for you…I’m sorry. Just know that I am praying.
Heather - I’ll keep you close in thought and prayer.
Heather,
You are so amazing!!! Your faith is such an inspiration to me. I know I wouldn’t be handling this anywhere near how well you are. Even though I am a Christian and have been all my life, I still don’t know that I could display as much courage as you are right now.
Thank you for sharing your strength with us.
I have been worried and thinking and praying for you ever since I heard the news from Laura.
I will keep praying and also thanking the Lord for the peace and courage He is giving you.
Heather,
Your faith is such a powerful witness to me. I will keep you in my prayers.
“You don’t know my God. He is the God of Job, He is the God of Abraham, and His love for me and my family is unwavering. I believe what Satan intends for my harm- God will use for His glory.”
Those words are words of life. A testimony to the life of Christ in you - the hope of glory.
My prayers are with you and for you at this time.
That’s right! You *can* do this and you *will*! We’re all lifting you up!!
You’re stong in the faith, and nothing will happen to you, but what God allows. :-)
I wanted to give you a little heads up about Ativan. My dad was on it, and it always put him into a coma. The doctors keep swearing it wasn’t the Ativan, but as soon as it was out of his system he’d wake up, even though the staff would tell us to plan his funeral, and that he would wake up. It happened twice.
They’d give him Ativan, he’d go into a coma, once it was out of his system, he’d come back around. :-?
My dad had cancer, and at that time I did some heavy research on it. A malignant brain tumor would be a “deep cancer,” which would need to be attacked with a vengance. I don’t know if you use a crock pot, but I suggest you either use a crock pot or bit stock pan, and always have bone broths slow cooking for at least a day or two (cook time) and eat bone broth every single day. It has cancer fighting properties, and will improve your general health.
You can make bone broth from fish bones, lamb, cow, chicken, etc. To learn how to make a bone broth, go to http://www.seedsofhealth.co.uk
Anyhow, as I was saying… I did research on cancer when my dad was sick. If you’d like to see an article I wrote up from my research, then click on the link for my webpage in this post, then scroll down my page and look in the left hand column under the “health” section.
-God bless. :-)
Heather,
I am praying so hard for you and your family. Thank you for continually sharing your faith…it is such an inspiration.
I recieved this today and you were the first thing that came to mind! I hope you dont mind me posting it here for you…
Keeping yclose in prayer!
Tiany
ARE YOU READY FOR BATTLE?
Exodus 23:23, “For mine Angel shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorites, and the Hitites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, the Hivites and the Jebusites: and I will cut them off.”
Do you like battles? I am sure that you would rather avoid them if you could. We often think that battles just come upon us or the enemy of our souls instigates them. However, the above Scripture tells us that it is God who leads us into battle. It was God who brought the children of Israel face to face with their enemies. Before they could enjoy the promises of God they had to face their battles and win the fight!
Do not think that you are out of the will of God because you are facing trials and battles. God wants you to learn how to fight. He wants to reveal to His power to you. He wants to prove to you that He is the Lord of Hosts, the God of the armies of heaven.
God brought His people face to face with the enemy, but He did not leave them on their own. He stayed with them and fought with them. As they learned to trust God and not their own resources He showed His mighty right arm. They won every battle when they listened to God’s advice and were obedient to Him. (Joshua 24:8, 11)
Are you facing a battle in your life right now? God has brought you to this place and He is with you. He has not left you! He will fight for you. Listen to Him. Trust Him. Learn to use the weapons He has given to you-the power of the precious blood of Christ, the power of the name of Jesus (Yeshua), and the power of the living Word of God. Jesus Himself won his battles by confessing the Word of God and telling the devil, “It is written.” (Matthew 4:1-11) Wield these weapons with the authority that He has given to you as a child of God.
Revelation 12:11 tells us how to overcome, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”
The children of Israel did not straggle out of Egypt in whatever manner they felt like. No. They “left Egypt in war-like array.” (Exodus 13:18 Knox). The margin of my Bible says that they marched out five in a rank. They were ready for battle. They were an army.
You are also part of an army. As such you will continually face battles. When you realize this, you can put on your armor, rise up and fight in the power of God. Don’t waste your time feeling sorry for yourself any longer.
Not only do you have to learn to fight, but you must teach your children to fight. You must teach them how to fight against the enemy, how to fight against the temptations of the flesh to moods and to evil. This is our responsibility. Our children dare not go out to face this world without being expert in fighting the enemy.
Judges 3:1-2 NLT tells us, “The Lord left certain nations in the land to test those Israelites who had not participated in the wars of Canaan. He did this to teach warfare to generations of Israelites who had no experience in battle.” Each new generation had to be trained in the art of war.
They did not train them half-heartedly. They trained skilful warriors (1 Chronicles 5:18), valiant warriors (1 Chronicles 7:2, 11) and they trained them to be expert in war. (1 Chronicles 12:24). Hebrews 11:34 tells us of those who “waxed valiant in fight.”
Are you afraid of the battle? Do not give in to your fears. Fear comes from the enemy. God will never leave you alone in your battle. Let me encourage you today, “Fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12) and “war a good warfare.” (1 Timothy 1:18)
Love from NANCY CAMPBELL
PRAYER:
“Lord, I thank you that you are with me in every battle I face. I thank you for the powerful weapons you have given me. Help me to continually confess the power of your name and the precious blood of Jesus. Amen.”
We are here for you. We will pray. God is here for you. He will comfort and give strength. God Bless you Heather.
yes, you can do this…if anyone can, you can! I will not cease praying you through.
Love ya,
I am praying continually and filled with praise right now - YOU CAN DO THIS - and GOD WILL DO MIGHTY THINGS THROUGH THIS. No doubt about it.
I’m fired up now. :-)
Heather,
You are an amazing amazing woman - your in my every prayer and not far from my thoughts! Please know that!!!
Blessings and prayers
Jenn
Heather,
You are 100% right God will be with you EVERY single step of the way, and your family will be showered with blessings poured out from the Heavens. You will be in my families prayers daily!
Dear sister,
I have thought of nothing else and prayed for you and your dear family since I read the prayer request for you at “BooMama”. Know that myself, my family and all who read my blog will be praying for YOU, dear one and for your sweet family!
Father God,
You alone know the beginning and the end…truly Your ways and thoughts are so much higher than ours. We give thanks to You for going before Heather and preparing the way for her to walk. We thank you that there are NO accidents, nothing incidental and no mistakes with YOU. Father, would you pour out Your abundant grace and mercy upon these dear ones. May they feel Your arms of love and strength holding them up and surrounding them like never before. And when the Enemy of our souls comes at them with lies, doubts and fears…Lord God, would you guard their hearts and minds with Your TRUTH! Would you draw them close to rest underneath Your shelter, may they run to YOU as their strong tower…would they find rest for their spirits, souls and bodies in You! Hold them tight, dear Lord and may they feel Your amazing love for them…as well as our love for them. We are bonded together in You, as one family.
Heather, my love to you and our prayers…
In Christ we hope, trust and rest,
Kari
Oh yes, you sure can do this! You have so many people praying for you. We are all here for you. I just wish I could come and help you in real life! Your children will have you for years to come. God Bless you, Heather, you are truly an inspiration.
Powerful words sister,
You amaze me. You are an awesome servant of the Lord.
{{{{{Heather}}}}}}}}
Praying…praying…and praying,
Linda
I know it’s just the initial news and your first appointment, but I think it sounds encouraging. And I think every time the doctors tell you something it will be better and better news. Always up, never down. I’ve been praying all day and will continue to do so.
Heather. I have checked back here repeatedly…knowing I would read something positive. He never lets us down. You CAN do this…you HAVE to…so you will. But you are not alone. Praying and praying for you and for your family.
Hugs.
You WILL walk through it, because Jesus is holding your hand and showing you where to step.
There are still just no words coming from my little head… I’m just praying fervently.
You are so right…you can do this! Your faith in God is so evident and so encouraging. We are continuing to pray for you.
Thank you for providing such a detailed update. Prayers continue, will continue…count on them.
My prayers include that mouths would be stopped, your heart protected for comments like “she must have done something really horrible to deserve all of thisâ€.
God bless Heather. You are in my prayers.
“Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.” Psalm 61:1-4
Thinking of you, praying for you. . .
My first thought when I was directed here from BooMama was, Oh, Why Heather? But God has a plan for all of us and after reading all about Emma Grace and continuing to read your blog, I fully believe you will be deliverd through this time of trial and your faith, and the faith of those of us who know you-whether through the internet or in person, will be sharpened. Thank you for sharing this with us. I will be praying for you.
Heather - I read about you on Sprittiebee’s blog. I’m part of that “Growling of prayer at the feet of Christ” on your behalf, and will continue to pray for you and your family.
Your sister in Christ
& fellow homeschooling mom,
Debbie
HE never gives us more than we can handle. Indeed HE has a plan.
Prayers to you and your family through this time.
Heather,
I found your blog through a friend’s. I’m impressed with your attitude in this situation,and your ability to place everything in God’s hands instead of freaking out. I’ll keep you in my prayers.
~Greta
Dear Heather,
I’m here from Suzanne’s blog and just wanted you to know that I am praying for you - that the Lord will comfort you and give you strength to endure - and that He will place His arms around you and each one of your family.
My heart is too full to say much except you are in my prayers.
God bless you Precious
You are a woman a God… A child of the King… A soldier in His Army. You have already won this battle. His Word says it is so. You must continue to speak his word over this situation. In order for it to accomplish what it is sent forth to do, it must be sent.
Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper [in the thing] whereto I sent it.
I will continue to pray for you and your family. Your life is a testament to the supernatural power of God. This is just one more chapter. :o)
God bless you!
Amy Grant
I’m this lady in Lynchburg VA, who stumbled on Beth Moores Blog today by accident, clicked on the Swank link, followed a note there to this blog, and now end up praying for a beautiful redheaded sister with a brain tumor. Dear Lord, heal this woman, give her strength, comfort her children, make her husband brave, and strong, and help him lean on the everlasting arms. You are good, we trust you in good times and bad. Thank you for your love. Amen
Karen
Hi Heather,
I followed Boomama’s link to your blog and read your story. I just wanted to let you know that I am praying for you and will continue to do so. God bless you.
Sarah in KC
I have never been to your site before, but saw a post on the contest @ HSB. Read your pages.
You wrote:”I hope that I have been a blessing to you, that you feel Christs presence when you visit here …is my greatest desire.”
I have been very blessed. Your Christ shines through you. Thank you. You have greatly ministered to this wandering soul. I would be honored to remember you and yours in prayer.
Dear Heather,
I’m here from Diane’s. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Be strong..
((hugs))
Hugs and prayers and love from Tennessee…give the girls a big hug from me too! :)
Heather, I’m asking God to give you and your family more peace than you ever thought was possible. May He bless each of you richly.
Love,
Amanda
Continuing to pray, of course.
You GO, girl! You’ll do it - whatever He allows before you, you’ll do it - and when it’s done, you’ll still stand and say, “Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Amen and Amen. You ROCK Heather. GO GOD! I’m standing with you. I think your feet are planted in the right place (even if the walls need to be tied down). Please keep us updated. We are continuing to pray!
Heather,
I am a baby christian and I want to thank you for having such strong FAITH. You have made me start looking at things so different. Thank you for your strength. My prayers are with you and your family.
You sister in Christ,
JEN
I’m so glad you’ve gotten some (sort of) concrete answers. I’ll be praying for you as you have your EEG and then the biopsy. You’ve been on my mind all day. What a witness you’ve been through this–thank you for your honesty as well as the faith you’re holding out for others to see.
God bless you, Heather.
Once again my tears are flowing. Our God is so good and his strength in you in amazing. He will prove himself faithful.
This song always gets me.
Thank you so much for the update. It sounds like you have an amazing Dr.
Praying for you and your family!
By the way, I thought of something else today. My Bible teacher once told me at a church we used to go to: “If the devil isn’t on your heels, you probably aren’t any threat to him.”
That made me laugh. You just decided to take your kids out of school, bring them home, and give them a Christian education. You fought against all odds to raise a wonderful Emma - despite all odds and negative doctors. Her smile and the way she thrives in your home is testament to your FAITH.
YOU ARE STRONGER THAN YOU THINK.
Stand up, Gidion, MIGHTY WARRIOR. The Lord has GIVEN YOU this battle.
The devil is obviously WORRIED about you. MAY THE LORD REBUKE HIM. Amen.
;) Love you!!!!!!
Also… you have a lot of prayer comments on my post about you… and on the HSBA site! ;)
Hey - you wanted some comments! ;) You got em!
I am lifting your family in prayer before our God and know that He is in control. What a blessing to be in His hands at this time! Your faith is so evident and I am once again inspired by it! You are such a blessing to so many and I, too, believe that God will use for good! Thank you for being so brave and so willing to share that we may pray for you! What an honor!
I too am praying for you and your family!
Heather
Proverbs 3:5 for you. Awesome attitude and truly a woman of the L-rd. You are an inspiration
You’re on my prayer list
Hugs
GP in Montana
I came here by way of Lyndy’s site. She put a post up about you and suggesting her readers come here to read your story and pray for you. I will be adding you to my prayer list and the list at our church. May God continue to bless you with grace and strength as you face this difficult trial. God is getting the glory out of your situation through the testimony you are passing on. The fact that you are trusting God with and in this is a blessing. Stay strong in Him and His Word.
I stopped in to check on you before I went to bed and was so afraid of what I would read but what happens??? YOU inspired me by your wonderful testimony! WOW! I have been, and will continue, lifting you up in prayer. I couldn’t help but think of the song “We’ve come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord.” That surely has been your theme song, Sweetie, with all that you’ve been through and are facing right now. Our prayer group that meets before school at the elementary where I teach included you in our morning prayers. I’m so happy that you realize that you have so much love surrounding you. Praying for strength and comfort in the morning for your test.
Love and prayers,
TM in Sinking Spring, OH
Heather,
I join all the others in saying that you and your family are in my prayers. You’re post was amazing and I am in awe at how you can be so strong in who God is with all that you are going through. That attitude and being bathed in prayer will get you far.
Continuing to lift you and your family in my prayers, Heather. Oh no, He never lets go.
I’m encouraged by your strength- and glad you seem to have a good positive outlook on this, which is so important and much needed! I will keep praying for you…and again I so wish I could give you all hugs- I’m sure it would make you feel better as much as would make me feel better. Hugs.
Yes Heather, you can do this. Never ever forget that with God ALL things are possible!
Praying with you that you CAN do this, Heather! God is as close as your next breath, dear one. May you feel His presence when you struggle.
You are truly amazing!
I know you attest to the faithfulness of God and give Him the glory, but I have spent a good part of the day reading your daughter’s testimony as well as yours, and You *are* amazing!!
Many blessings to you as you walk closer to Him everyday. You are in my prayers!
-Jacque
This little song we sing to our kids came to mind and I wantted to share it with you and let you know that I am lifting you before the throne of Grace and praying!
My God is a great big God and a great big God is my God. My God is a great big God glory.
Holy, holy, holy. Holy is my God
Worthy, worthy, worthy, is my God
Glory, glory, glory, glory to my God.
My God is a great big God and a great big God is my God. My God is a great big God glory.
Dearest Heather,
Delurking just let you know that I’m praying for you.
“Do not fear for I am with you. Be not anxious for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Surely I will help you. Surely I will hold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
You’re amazing Heather. Really you are.
At this most difficult time in your life you have managed to inspire me, amaze me. Your pure faith is what we all strive for.
God will hold you close as you fight this…He will hold your family close…through Him you can do this. And I will continue to pray.
Just adding my prayers, sharing this poem as an encouragement. May the Lord strenghten and encourage you in the midst of this time.
The rage of the storm
And the swell of the sea;
Unseen hands
Hold tightly to me.
The gales blow strong
But can never remove
My life from that grip
From the powerful love
Of God.
The rage of the storm
And the swell of the sea;
Oh, Lord, wrap Your arms
Tightly about me!
The gales blow strong,
But they’ll never remove
My life from Your grip,
From Your powerful love,
Lord God!
WOW girl!!! You are a hero beyond words! Way to go for placing your faith in God and not wavering!!! In all - that is what matters most. That is what will endure. You are inspiring us (just like you have in the past!) Just imagine what you are teaching your children through this!!!!
Still praying of course….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVAVFTczA3I
Hello Heather. I found you at Diane’s blog. I read your post and just want to say that even though you don’t know me, we believe in and serve the same Almighty God who is the same today as he has always been. I pray He touches you and begins a healing imediately.
You are in my prayers
God Bless you and yours.
Hi, I randomly stumbled across your blog by following linkies. I just wanted to say that you are in my prayers. It’s awesome to see all the comments and all the support you have. *hug*
I’m sorry to hear about this and you are in my prayers as well.
God bless.
You have my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you and those you love. May He give you the strength and courage to beat this.
YOU CAN DO IT! YOU CAN DO IT! GO, HEATHER! GOD IS IN YOUR CORNER!
If God be for us, who can be against us?!
Prayers going out for you, my friend.
Anyone who thinks “she must have done something really horrible to deserve all of this” is a moron, plain and simple! There’s no way that a wonderful person like you (or any person for that matter) “deserves” all of this!
Heather, thank you for sharing the news. Believe it or not, it’s comforting to know the details of what you’re up against. It’ll help make my prayers more specific.
May God continue to remain with you and your family in your time of need!
Heather, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
(((((Hugs)))))
You’re in my prayers.
Psalm 37:7
“rest in the Lord/and wait patiently for Him/ do not fret”
(HUGS)
Heather, I’m praying in faith for total healing and for God to be glorified. He is good, so good. What perspective this gives us - everything else just fades away.
Heather, I can’t even begin to imagine what you are feeling right now but you do a beautiful job putting your emotions into words. Thank you for sharing these things with us…it is very brave. As a sister in Christ I am praying for you and your family. I am new to these sites but, feel that I am already beginning to form new friends in Him and that encourages me to keep strong in the faith. As I sat here and read your stories I couldn’t help myself from crying and feel my heart break for you and your family. But, Know this. You have a very large number of people praying for you and that you know the Lord is hearing our prayers. That hopefully is uplifting. I will let our congregation in in Paulding, OH know about your situation and keep the prayers coming. Good Luck! You can do this. Through Christ all things are possible!!
You definitively did nothing wrong to “deserve ” this! You do well to remember Job. Christ tries the faith of the believer to galvanize it. We ‘ll keep praying for you and your family with all our hearts. With love and in Christ.
I just had to say that I have been pouring through your words. There is SO much here that I found myself thinking OMG I kNOW how that feels. And a few things that I couldn’t even imagine. I have 1 that beat the averages too. How thankful we can be that we don’t serve an ‘average’ God. Lifting you and yours in prayer.
With love in Christ
Heather
Heather, He won’t let go, and I know you won’t let go of Him. Thanks for inspiring us with your faith.
Praying for you,
Janna
Heather:
We are strangers, but I am praying for you and your family. Your post gave me chills. God is there for you and so is your cyber-family.
God bless,
-Nancy
You are continually in my prayers. HE IS A BIG God. Bigger than this tumor, Bigger then your fears and BIGGER than any of this. May He be given glory through your amazing testimony.
With much love!
I hope the eeg went well. You are in my prayers and I admire your strength so much. God truly is wonderful and can help us get through anything.
Praying. You can do all things through Him.
I am praying for you and your story has touched me deeply! Thank you for sharing with us and reminding us how big our God truly is! Blessings and healing to you!
Heather,
I found you via Boomama.
I am also praying for you. My favorite verse of all time is:
The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever - do not abandon the works of your hands. Psalms 138:8
The Lord WILL fulfill his purpose for you Heather. Hang on tightly to him. We’re all praying.
Love, Stephanie M.
Praying for you Heather. Thank you for sharing you journey with us, may God use it to bring others to His kingdom and offer you an oppurtuinity to just get your words out. Blessings to you and to Emma!
Thanks for the update. You would smile at how I’m asking my world to pray for you…”I don’t know her and she doesn’t know me, but…”
So many praying for you and we’ll continue lifting you and yours up.
love,
Cathy
You are so inspiring!
It’s so funny that you would mention people thinking you must have sinned BIG for this to have happened…I was thinking exactly the opposite. I was thinking that with your struggles with Emma Grace, your work on all the various blogs and websites that encourage and bring others to Christ, that SATAN had decided that he really needed to attack you harder ’cause his plan just wasn’t working!
I posted on my blog as soon as I heard about this that my prayer is that you will go in for your tests and the response will be, “What’s going on here? Who screwed up? Who said there was a tumor? There’s no tumor here!” I’m still praying for that, but even if God has another plan, I know you’ll continue to bug the snot out of Satan the whole way through!
Thanks for the way you minister to so many. By the way, have you gone back and re-read your post on “Why Especially Heather?” I found it quite interesting in light of your current attack!
After 145 comments, you may stop reading :-). I just wanted to say that I am praying for you. I am sorry your family is facing such huge trials, but God is not suprised…He will work this out for your good and His glory, because your love for Him is so evident! What a testimony you are and I don’t even know you! I love your blog and will be awaiting the post that says “Praise the Lord, I am healed!” I am praying for a God sized miracle. Much love, Kristie
To God be the glory in all things. You are truly amazing. I will be praying for you.
Praying with you- and your sisters in Christ-
much love- ts
I thought I had problems. I do not. You reminded me. Life is a battle. I’ve taken my share of hits and obviously you are taking one now. You’ve gained a new prayer partner, Heather. I’ve no idea what the earthly future holds for the next 5 minutes. But ask me about the next 500 years … and I’m all over it. Be faithful, my sister. I don’t know you. But I love you in the strong name of King Jesus. Don’t give up the fight until the day you hear, “Welcome home! You are a good and faithful child! I’m glad you are here!” That will be followed by hugs from nail stained hands. I pray it doesn’t happen for another 50 years or so!
I have tears in my eyes. I’ve heard that song before but it doesn’t always click until it’s put into context like you just did. Bad things happen to every single one of us, and it is not a result of anything bad we have done. Things happen for a reason like you already mentioned. I know, so many people think that sounds cliche but I think as a Christian we can understand that, together….
….it was nothing you have done, it does have a purpose whatever that may be. You are viewing one point of your life, not the whole picture.
Heather, have you ever stared at an oil painting up close? Oh my goodness, the picture is usually made of itsy bitsy dots, and strokes. Just little marks that don’t look like anything, and even look like accidents at times. But when you back away from the oil painting, and view all of those little itsy bitsy marks together it makes one of the most most beautiful and detailed pictures you will ever see.
that’s how your life is Heather. You are looking at one thing, one little dot on the canvas of your life. God is creating a beautiful picture called your life and this is just one detail that for one reason or another will actually enhance your life, and it’s outcome.
The whole picture, just remember.
Continuing to pray for you here. May you daily find peace, comfort, and strength in our awesome God! I believe in His miracles. You are shining brightly for Jesus even in the midst of trials. Yes, you have already blessed and inspired many (me included). Keep looking up to Jesus, our Prince of Peace! He loves you so much, Heather!
Heather, one of my mom’s tennis friends has lived with a brain tumor for years—gosh, I would say twenty-five years or so. The only thing she really has complained about is the dizziness.
Your faith is so inspiring–keep looking up!
Blessings and many prayers said for you~
Heather,
Continue to be strong and entrust everything to God. Even though I am not a christian, I fully believe that God plans things for a reason. He must have his reasons for doing it.. Believe in him and be strong.
Regards
Diana
Heather, you don’t know me, but I discovered your story through another blog. After reading your post, I just felt the reminder that God really IS in control - and that the problems I think I have in my own life are nothing. May you find peace and rest and strength in God, who loves us more than we can ever imagine. I will keep you in my prayers. God bless you.
Keep the faith girl!
You are already blessing hundreds.
Romans 8:28 - “For we know that in ALL things God works for the Good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
Deut. 29:29 - “The Secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of His law.”
I am praying for you Heather!
With faith all things are possible - you will get through this.
Much love & prayers for you and your family,
Lisa
Heather,
I found your blog while reading Spunky’s homeschooling blog.
And I just wanted you to know that I just celebrated my one year anniversary of having a brain tumor removed. (Mine was malignant, but low grade.) From diagnosis, through tests and ultimately surgery, my recovery has been nothing but miraculous. I know that Christ was with me through the entire thing and I know that I know that I am healed by the grace of God. My MRI’s remain clean and I am feeling great.
The night before surgery I awoke with the certainty that I was supposed to name the tumor. So I named it Gone. I believe that relates to the scripture Philippians 2:9-11 “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.â€
Praise God, Gone is gone
I will keep you and your family lifted up in prayer. We worship a mighty God capable of miracles. May God bless you with health, strength, joy and peace that come only from him.
Blessings.
Rev. 12:11 says, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”
I sent a post earlier about how your story reminds me of Job. Am still amazed at how God is using this seemingly “bad” situation to speak into hearts of so many people. People who know you. People like me- From Malawi a country you probably never heard of until may be after Madonna’s adoption lol! 0! How your testimony is revamping a hunger for God in me when I havent prayed for so long. I now wake up and go to sleep with a prayer and praise on my lips. And I see the gazimillions of blessings I have.
For me, whatever happens, I feel you have “overcome him with your testimony”. And for that there is no comparison. And my prayer is that God will finish that which he purposed for you because it is perfect. From a country devasted by HIV/AIDS, I know you did not deserve this or do anything wrong to deserve it. God in His infinite wisdom allows what He will allow. His will is magnificient and perfect.If there was any deserving, then we all deserve worse because our “righteousness is like filthy rags”.
***
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity (love)
***
Reading your experiences, feeling what they provoke in us is immeasurable charity/love! What a gift!
We are praying for you
I am very moved with this post…am actually crying right now. All the best to you! I salute your courage and belief in God.
Anyone who thinks that cancer, tumors, or illness are punishments given out by God needs to have THEIR head examined.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10: For when I am weak, then I am strong.
When our mortal bodies fail us, we become so much more aware of our need for God, of God’s love for us, and how temporary this world, this life, is. And with this knowledge, we become strong again, strong for ourselves, strong for our families, strong for the time we are here.
God bless and keep you, and thank you for sharing your strength with me.