48 hours…
May 1, 2007
Thursday is getting closer, and even though I sometimes find myself enveloped in fear, I also find that the closer the day gets- the more peace I find. I have fears about this procedure, I fear losing function on my right side, I fear not being able to speak or sing, I fear losing who I am personality wise, I fear alot of things.
But I do not fear death.
The song “I can only imagine came on the radio yesterday and I can honestly tell you that this song means so much more to me today than it did 2 weeks ago. Surrounded by His glory, what will my heart feel… will I dance before you Jesus or in awe of you stand still… will I stand in your presence or to my knee’s will I fall…. Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all, I can only imagine…
There are things that you talk about with your spouse that you would never talk about with anyone else in times like this. Not because they are so personal and private, but because they are so amazingly honest. Mark and I were talking about the risks of the procedure- death being one of them; He looked me square in the eyes and said “If you die, I will be so angry”, he paused and then said “because you will get to see Christ before me”. Having a husband who truly gets it- truly understands what this is about is so wonderful. This isn’t about me- never was.
Last night while we were coming up the elevator, he asked how I was feeling- and I told him that I was nervous. And I am. But at this point I have no control over what Thursday holds for me. I can cry and flip out and waste these next 48 hours on what ifs and fear, or I can enjoy them knowing that whatever the outcome on Thursday- I lived my life to fullest. I laughed, I loved so very deeply, and more than anything I tried to share Christs love at every opportunity these last 3 weeks. Come Thursday, all I can do is lay my antibacterial washed head down on that table and find peace in the knowledge whatever happens at the end of the day-
He’s already there.
My parents are flying in this afternoon, along with Emma Grace. I miss my kids so terribly. We debated having Elijah and Easton come, but it just didn’t seem fair to disrupt their lives again. They needed the normalcy, and hospitals and waiting rooms would only stress them out more. Seeing me after surgery would only stress them out more. Easton especially needed to be removed from this, short of phone calls and post cards. I know that alot of people disagreed with that decision, but it is one that I and Mark strongly felt was appropriate. My older kids have already been through too much, they have seen too much, and lived through too much. They don’t need to see their mom the way that I will be after this surgery. They need to see me well and moving. That is my motivation. I want to be able to walk into my house and wrap my arms around my children and not skip a beat.
It will, however mean so much to me to be able to wrap my arms around Emma Grace before I go in. Not because she is more important, but because she is less aware. My arms long for my children, and having at least one of them here for me to physically hold will do my heart such good.
I am blessed, as hard as it is for us (and some of you) to see that sometimes- Mark and I are so very blessed.
My prayer for every single person reading this is that you find the peace that floods over me. That you realize that there is a God who loves you so very much, and wants so badly to have a personal relationship with you. I pray that my story touches you and draws you closer to him in ways that you never thought possible. I pray that you hold your children a little tighter, and love your husband a little deeper. I pray that you hold your parents closer and realize that in the end- everything else is meaningless. Christs love for you is so immense and so encompassing. I have been asked so many times how I can believe in a God who brought this into my life- who threatens to take my children’s mother away and my husbands wife away.
I stand before you today and tell you that my tumor is not God’s punishment. My daughters terminal illness and autism and failing heart are not Gods punishment. My life is a living testimony of his grace and love. The 5 years that I have spent with this amazing child, who every doctor told me would be dead by now, is a testimony of His grace and love. Finding this tumor from an inner ear infection is a testimony of His grace and love. Being so young, and without any symptoms from such a large tumor is a testimony of His grace and love. Having 32 years of life is a testimony of His grace and love.
Its all in how you face it, I cant stress that enough. Every trial and every hardship that has walked into Mark and I’s life has been faced with hope and peace. There have been moments we have asked “Why Us” but honestly, there are more times that we have asked “Why not us”.
Bad things are going to happen. Its inevitable. Facing them with hope and power makes the journey so much more possible. Facing the pain knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that my future is secure, and my eternity is claimed- that is an indescribable feeling.
I pray that you seek diligently after that feeling. If you do not have a personal relationship with Christ, it is my prayer that you are so touched by our story that you find yourself wanting to know more about this amazing relationship I have with my God.
Seek Him. He is so much closer than you think.
Can you imagine?
If you would like to know more about how to become a Christian, please read this page. If you need someone to talk to, please use my contact form and I will make sure that someone talks to you personally.
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Comments
Note From Heather: All comments are welcome, but I reserve the right to delete at any time. All comments are solely the opinions of the individuals submitting them and the publication of them on this blog does not imply my endorsement or agreement. By posting your comments to the blog you are granting me the right to use them. Your submission of a comment constitutes your acceptance of this comment policy.
In other words: Play Nice
150 Responses to “48 hours…”
I would love to hear from you!
Beautiful Heather, just beautiful.
You are a beautiful lady, yourself; and more so, in Him!
Blessings!
Amen. My prayers will be with you and your family.
Morning Heather! Just wanted to say that I’m keeping you in thoughts and prayer. A lot.
I can only imagine. :) Thank you.
((hugs))
(((Mark and Heather))) We Love you guys!!
Our whole family has been blessed with Christs love, and he has always been there for us all.
We wish we could be there with you. We are here if you need anything! Praying for you all!
Talk to you soon!
(Cathy and Jeff George)
Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:19-23
Heather,
I’ve never left a comment before, but I’ve been reading your website for about a week. You are a beautiful testimony to Christ. You are showing his strength in your weakness, and it makes me want to be a better Christian. You are an inspiration to me. I am praying for you, and I will ask my church to pray for you, too.
Love,
Rachel
Heather - I have a question I would love for you to blog about. In a very weird kind of way, Believing God kind of speaking, you are extremely special to have your days numbered in such of a way. To know that you may only have a certain amount of years left on this earth after you come through the surgery with flying colors!! Please understand I am not trying to be disrespectful at all to your illness. I am Believing God He will see yout thru the surgery wonderfully!!! But after…
So if you are able, tell us what you want to do knowing your have a certain number of years left on this earth? Will you keep working? Will you travel? Will you minister? Will you spend? Will you save harder? Will you go to church even more often? Will tape things for your kids? Will you forgive faster? Will you not worry about calories?
We are really all in the same position only you have a bit more of a specific time line…
I would love to know your response??? Feel free to be selfish for a moment and tell us honestly that you want to eat a Snickers everyday - I would!!! Or whatever it may be for you! Please delete if needed…hoping to get you looking ahead!
Praying for you and your family. God Bless You all. He has you firmly in His hand.
God is good even in the tough times. The times are tough and scary, but God is faithful, good and in charge. Praise God for the hope on which you can cling these next several days.
Praying for you, your family, and the doctors.
Sandy
Heather -
In my regular morning blog-reading, I read yours and a few others. I just found this post on another of my favorite blogs and thought you’d like to see it.
http://pasturescott.org/2007/05/01/cancer-versus-easter/
I’m praying for you.
Mandy
I’m in tears.
Heather, you truly are such a beautiful woman and I thank you so much for the words you have given us over the past few weeks. When your world was falling apart you took that time when people would push everyone away and turned it back and gave us all something to think about.
I’ll be praying for you over the next few days. For all of you.
I went to sleep last night thinking of you and praying for you. I woke up this morning thinking of you and praying for you. And your beloved family.
It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks, as you know. And you never need apologize for the decisions you make regarding your own treatment, your children, they way you choose to live your life. If we don’t get it…that’s our problem.
I can see that you ARE blessed. And I believe you are correct in that it is about HOW we live our life and WHAT and WHO we believe. For some reason, God has chosen You to go thru this and to share it was us. It is such a testimony from Him. That doesn’t mean, however, that I don’t selfishly want you to be HEALED COMPLETELY and WHOLLY. I want to have the tears running down my face (and maybe even have the “ugly cry”) as I read about you walking into your home after this and embracing your sweet darlings and telling them clearly how much you missed them and love them. I’m looking forward to that ugly cry :)
Thinking about ya today.
Susan
I have to admit… I’m still praying for the shocked faces of doctors at the sight of a completely healed tumor… I’m on the list for the prayer chain for Thursday… but I (along with others) are fervently praying for the tumor to be gone before then!
Lovingly,
Amy
You are such an inspiration.
Heather, please don’t feel that you have to justify your decisions (about you two oldest) to us…you know your family best and you make decisions based on what is right for them. I guess people will always have a tendancy to make judgements, but most likely just as many would say negative things about them seeing you as there are folks who think it is wrong not to have them there.
You have given control over to God and he is not going to let you down. I pray that your peace continues to be directly from God and way beyond your understanding. I pray that your fear, pain, and any other side effects are minimal…even non-existent (I don’t want to put God in a box!).
Don’t worry about your personality…you will be exactly whom God wants you to be! Our prayers are with you. Thanks for the blessings you share with us.
Susan
Heather: I am praying for you and your family. I know how hard this is, because I went through it 2 1/2 years ago. In fact, when you are in surgery on Thursday, I will be having an MRI & seeing my neurosurgeon to find out if I have a second brain tumor. I’ve had symptoms of one for 8 months now — the same symptoms I had last time. Everything you say is so real to me, because I’ve been there and had all the same feelings. I know God will bless you for praising Him in the midst of this trial. He can use you to reach people as you show forth his great love. I am so happy that you do not fear dying. I didn’t either, because I knew I would be in heaven with my dear Jesus. It makes such a difference — the hope we have in Christ. God bless you! I look forward to reading about a successful surgery. Know that even though you may have problems during your recovery, they may not all last. I encountered many problems that passed with time. Just trust the Lord to take care of you in His time. The doctor thought I would not regain any vision in my left eye, but I have very slowly regained part of it. Remember that God is in control and we can do all things through Christ. Love and prayers for you and yours, Brenda
Thank you. Thank you for touching my heart with that prayer of yours. Thank you for being honest and teaching me more about your relationship with God and how much I still have to learn. I pray for you daily
Come before the alter of the Lord. Your family and you are in all of our prayers!
Heather,
Your sweet family has been on my heart since I first found myself on your site reading & praising for Emma Grace, many months ago. And now, you remain on my heart. I am so honored to lift you up in prayer to the One who is able. I read your words & I see Christ shine through & feel His presence…may you continue to feel & know His presence every step of the way!
Ginny Mooney
(eliot’s mom)
Beautiful. You brought tears to my eyes this morning. Please know that our prayers are with you!
Heather,
Your life is a testimony to our great and awesome God. May He bless you and keep you in His care. I’ll be praying this week.
Love,
Your sister in Christ, Julie
Heather, I have just come to know about your situation through Boomama’s blog and already you have touched my soul so deeply. I feel a connection to your life with mine in many ways… a love so deep for my husband, we are nearly the same age, health issues with our youngest of three beautiful children that has strengthened the depths of our faith, etc. You are on my mind daily and I pray for you constantly! It is so powerful to know that you are covered in prayer by many whom you have not met yet. May God’s will be done each and every day of your life. He is using you in such a profound way and you are living up to the task! God bless you, Denise
Heather, I don’t know whether you know the prayer below? I had a hysterectomy in 2002 because I had cancer of the womb - and I got as many people as possible to say the prayer before my op. I always felt sure it helped, as my operation and recovery went so amazingly smoothly!
I have posted the prayer on my blog and asked people to say it for you. I will be praying for you as well.
May God be with you!
SURGERY PRAYER.
Loving God,
I commit _______ with perfect trust into your hands.
Watch over and protect him/her in her time of weakness.
Grant that as he/she becomes unconscious to earthly thing?
his/her thoughts may be turned to you.
Bless and guide the hands and minds of his/her surgeons,
that through them your healing power may restore him/her
to good health and strength.
Bless the nurses and all those who will care for him/her
as he/she returns to consciousness.
Surround him/her relatives and friends with your peace
as they wait for his/her recovery.
And Lord, grant him/her the strength sufficient
for whatever he/she may face. Amen.
Heather, I know that you don’t know me from Eve but I had to write and tell you how much of an encouragement you are to me. I struggle daily in my walk with God and do not suffer any where near the hardships you are or have suffered. I am so thoroughly encouraged by how you can see His hand in everything and His perfect plan. I appreciate that you are also human and not afraid to admit that though you know He is in control you still struggle with the fear of the unknown. I want you to know that you are in my prayers daily as well as your family and friends who are around you to support and uphold you. God bless JoyAnna
Heather,
No one knows how we would react to every situation. And no one knows what we would do until that truly faces each of us. Please don’t even think that people may not understand your and Mark’s decisions. It is just wonderful to have such a great partner in life. I pray that the peace you feel is just as deep in him. I pray for your children. How hard it must be for them. I pray for your parents and thank God that they are involved in your life and truly there to support your family. What a blessing. Thank you for everything you mean to me.
We love you,
Julie from Kentucky
My prayers are with you, the doctors, and your family on Thursday.
Heather,
First of all I would like to say that you are in my prayers every day. When I get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom - you are one of the main ones that I pray for as I go back to sleep. I am so thankful that I came across your blog when I did because you have been a true blessing to me. There are a lot of things in life to be fearful of but as I read your entries I realize that God is bigger than any problem. As I see you in the situation that you are in and how you totally trust him, that is such a wonderful witness for God and his awesome love and power. I have not signed up for a specific time to pray for you but believe me it will be through out the day and night. Thank you for opening up your feelings and sharing them with us - you are such and blessing.
God bless you in a special way today! Have a wonderful Day full of peace!
Lisa in Texas = )
Heather,
I’m touched and inspired by your faith. Your testimony and this trial you’re faced with is being used to bring God glory. I believe that you will be healed. I’m praying for you and your family. You are on my heart daily.
I Praise Him for your example,
Silvana
Dear Heather,Praying everyday for you and your family.You are such a strong,beautiful woman.
Bambie in Texas
Preach it, sister!
Oh Heather, I am a new reader and am praying for you and your surgery, but I just want to say what a *delight* it is to hear you faithfully proclaim the Lord through all this. To take each entry and with transparency and faithfulness weave together your honest emotions and your Rock solid faith, pointing out eyes to Him each time. Praise God for His faithful servant, who endues much yet glorifies Him all the more!! May He bless you richly this week.
In Him,
Kim
I don’t know what to say except your faith in all of this that you are facing inspires me to face down some of the things in my life with the same determination to give God the glory, even when others might see Him not protecting one of HIs own. I haven’t commented often because each time I read, I’m hit with a new wave of grief and with a fresher understanding that I need to step my faith up a notch and realize that God is not against me (or forgotten me) at the times it feels like this, but that He is waiting for me to catch up with what He is doing. Bless you for sharing this journey of your life. You are in my prayers as you face this hard thing with hope.
Beautiful! What a wonderful reminder of what really is important. God is using you in a mighty way!
Oh Heather! You so GET IT, girl! Keep going and living that life of faith. The fear can’t touch you there.
I will be praying for you this Thursday and asking God to hold tight you and your precious family.
No matter what lies ahead, God’s love will continue. His goodness knows no bounds.
Praising our AWESOME God with you.
Kelly
My love, thoughts, prayers and everything will be with you on Thursday. You are an amazing gift from God and I thank you for all you’ve shared.
I happened upon your blog by a friend, who happened upon it by a friend, who happened upon it by a friend and the list goes on. Your story is touching the lives of many and is an inspiration to all of us who take part. God is working miracles in your life and in the life of your family. You have something to share with the world and your mission is not yet done on this earth.
Thank you for being bold, letting us into your heart and sharing it with the world and know that you have hundreds from the Kingdom praying you through every step of the way.
God is GOOD all the time and all the time God is GOOD!
Becki :)
I came here today to see how I can encourage you…and here you are encouraging us…
I believe Heather .. I believe. I know God is holding you in His arms and will take care of you.
I love that song I Can Only Imagine …
Praying for you, for Markm for your kids, and for your whole family,
Liza
As your day approaches, I am in prayer more and more. Your strength, your husband’s strength, the FAITH both of you so strongly and openly display…these will carry you through.
I remember hearing almost the same thing your husband said about your dying. A man shared a story in church several years ago after his 4 year old son died a tragic death (hit by a train). He said, “I am angry that my son gets to see Jesus before me!” And then he sang I Can Only Imagine. My all time forever favorite song that makes me cry every time.
I pray for you Heather - I pray that God guides the surgeons hands, that this surgery resolves some of the problems…that it doesn’t, by GOD’S miracle, EVER come back.
I am in such awe over what you’ve said that I find myself nearly speechless. yes, God is good -all the time. Bless you. I’m praying for all of you!
Heather, I happened upon your blog browsing the web and I want to let you know it was no accident that I did. Our God reigns no matter what the outcome of your procedure, but know this you have given such a wonderful testimony of your faith and if you are ushered into the presence of Jesus before the rest of us your legacy will be carried on by all those you have touched. We are praying for you, your family, the medical staff that will be there for you and for all those your life has touched in some way along the way. Remember that if you have some disability as a result of the surgery that with God all things are possible and disabilities are only obstacles, and God is greater than any obstacle out there. No matter what His Grace is suffficient.
Prayers for you and your family!!!! You truly are amazing and this post couldn’t have said that any better.
Darling Heather, I have never heard a testimony which touched me, moved me, awakened me more than yours. God has not only given you many gifts, but you indeed are a gift.
God will continue ton bless you and hold you. I continue to hold you and your family in my heart and prayers.
You’re amazing. Oh that I could have a tenth of your faith. You inspire me (and I’m sure thousands more) to take my faith to a new level. Thank you for that.
Our family will be praying over you and your family Thursday. My oldest asks about you and how you are doing. See? You’ve touched even our children…
Oh Heather, Your spirit is so beautiful. You shine so brightly for Jesus and I just want you to know I will be praising Him for you even through your surgery. Knowing that He who began in good work in you will continue it to completion! Keep shining for Jesus, girl — you’re beautiful!
Praying for you and your family.
Praying for you Heather and for your family.
Heather,
I just wanted you to know that you are a blessing to me. Your strength has gave me strength. You and your family are in my prayers.
Heather,
Your testimony brought tears to my eyes. God has indeed blessed you with GRACE that will see you through this trial in your life. It’s normal to ask “why me”, yet it’s evident that God has his hand over your life, and what an awesome testimony you are for Him. By you experiencing this trial, many will come to know our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
I will pray specifically for you, your husband, your children, both sets of parents, the surgeons, the nursing staff, and all your friends that will be surrounding you, and anxiously wait for the news of your miracle!
Prayers from Rome, GA.
God has given you grace and has packed your words with power, Heather.
I just love you and your family so very, very much.
We’ve got your back in California…and we won’t stop praying till you’re home…and not even then…
You continue to teach me, pull me, convict me, love me more than you know. You’re walking me through some things that are long in coming, but need to be done.
Love you.
me
Heather, you are so right. Amen & Amen!
God bless you as you face surgery, I pray that you feel God’s hands holding yours and are not afraid. I also pray that this tumor is gone in the name of Jesus and your brain is restored to perfection. I am praying and believing with you and am humbled by your faith and strength. I know it is hard to be strong, but with Christ in you it is not impossible. I also pray for your sweet family and your loving parents. It is hard to watch someone you love experience something like this, your strength is a blessing to them too.
love,
Annie
Heather,
As I sit her crying yet again, because you touch my heart and life yet again, I’m praying for you. Don’t worry about justifying your decisions–they are your decisions. Holding Easton, Elijah and Emma Grace in my prayers.
~Mipa
This is the post, after all the others that I bave absolutely hung on, that filled my eyes with tears. Not because I have any doubt in His ability and grace to bring you through this, but because I can so relate to the love you have for your family and for your Savior. I loved Mark’s response to you about being angry. Wow. I love how your decisions about your children show grown-up love for them (of course it would be easier to have them all 3 there to hold, but is it best for them?). I love how you are using this platform God has given you to “give a reason for the hope that is in you,” as God’s Word says. I love looking forward to the testimonies that you and your family will give for Him on the other side of Thursday. You write the book, I’ll buy it.
You are truly a gift from God. You exhibit the very essence He wants all of us to exhibit. Thank you for sharing your life with us. You are seriously making a difference in my life. BTW…I’ve got 6:15-6:45 for you girl! LOVE IN HIM, Tamara P.S…Mark CRACKS ME UP!!!
Precious Heather,
I just wanted you to know how much we love you and your family. We are praying for you, for Mark, for Eli, Easton and little Emma Grace, and for Darlene and Greg. God has used this situation to touch so many already. I pray many come to know and experience a real relationship with Christ thru this…that many come to hug their children and husbands a little bit longer as you have inspired me to do…and that God will be glorified thru it all as you so beautifully have done. Hug your mom and dad for us and tell them we love them. We will be praying but thank God the power is not in the pray-er, but in the One who hears our prayers.
Heather - I just wanted to let you know that I think your decision to keep your other two children at home going through their own routines is a very, very wise one. I can understandy how much you would physically ache for their touch during this time. I shall continue to keep you and yours close in thought an prayer.
Heather,
Here is a perfect song for you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNqw2ssYXC8
EVEN THOUGH I DON’T SEE, I STILL BELIEVE.
Praying for you daily!
Kelly in Michigan
avery’s on, forgive typos!! i’m so glad to have had the chance to meet you and your family! i’ll be in prayer for you and your family in the coming days. tk
Heather - You are such an awesome person. I have never commented to you before, but I want you to know that I have my Sunday School class in MS praying for you. I read your entry today and started crying because I can’t imagine what you are going through right now, but to feel the love of God pouring off of this page through your words is so awesome. I pray that your surgery will go smoothly and you will have the quickest recovery possible. I pray that anyone who reads these words is touched and if thye do not have a relationship with the Lord, they feel that tug at their heart. God is using you in such a mighty way. Blessings to you and your family!!!
Heather -
I am praying for you and your family.
Also, please do not be offended, but please read Mark 16:16 about being baptized. If you have not done so, please, please consider it.
I’m at school so I can’t type too much, but we’re praying for you!
Prayers for you continue to go up!
WOW! How awesome you are and strong, what an inspriration you are to us here on the other side of the blogging world.
What a terrific husband you have to “get you” like that too! I can only hope that if the time were to ever come, mine would preceive it the same!
God is able and he will!
You touched my heart so deeply! Thank you!
Amen! May God use your Words to Bless and touch others, Heather.
I always think when I hear “I can only imagine” that the very first thing that will happen is that My Jesus will come and He will wipe away every tear from my eyes. I will be saying, “It has been so hard, LORD. I have needed You so much!” They will be tears of great pain and loss and tears of joy as well.
I’m always praying for you dear Heather. I’m asking God to remove this…asking Him to give you your dream!
Love,
Holly
Heather — God continues to be on his throne. It is evident in your writings. It is evident in your peace. It is evident with your direction and decisions. It is evident in everything the doctors at Mayo have said.
One thing I know … my sense of how fragile life is has become heightened through all your posts, struggles, and victories. It can change in the blink of an eye … making it all the more important to do as you said: love and hug my husband, parents, family, and friends… and share Christ’s love with anyone and everyone that crosses my path with a new sense of ferver.
I appreciate you, sister, and hope that one day, we can meet face to face and hug each other, and compare scars from answered prayer. Of course, you’ll win, because how many people can sport a shaved strip of hair and say, “well, I’ve had my head washed with antibacterial soap — hospital grade. Then, someone touched my brain!” So much for my paper cuts. lol!
My prayers continue to be with you and your family, and your kids … especially for Easton’s tender heart.
Amen, sweet sister! We are PRAYING always for you. I just love this song…closing my eyes and “just imaging” that day with you. May His arms continue to uphold you and your loved ones.
Much love and prayers,
Kari
We just wanted to let you know that we continue to pray for you and your family. I also pray for your speedy recovery after surgery–God’s love surrounds you, Heather.
What a beautiful post and what a beautiful soul you are. My thoughts are prayers are with you and your family.
Heather, thank you. Thank you for sharing your faith in the midst of your struggles.
You remain in my prayers.
Will be praying for you!
“Why NOT us?”
Zing.
Wow. Thank you for your words. They are exactly what I need to hear.
God bless.
Heather, sweetie.
Your post/song had me in tears. Thank you for your example and your dedication to The Lord. Daily you inspire me to love Him more.
Praying praying praying.
Colleen from Western NY
Heather,
I read your blog through “In the Midst of It,” when she first told about your current situation. Your story has touched me so much and has caused me to pray for you and your family each day. I am certain that you living out your testimony of this obstacle in your life through this blog has brought someone closer to understanding the peace and grace God extends to each of us. You seem like an amazing woman. You have inspired me by the way you find God’s hope through all of this. I will be joining alongside all the others who will be praying for you this Thursday.
Beautiful post Heather! Will be praying for you tomorrow (and before and after). God’s holding you firmly in His hand. Hold Emma Grace tight and enjoy your evening with your family.
You are amazing, and you have my continued prayers. You have touched my life so wonderfully, and I pray fervently for you, your family, your doctors, and your friends.
May His grace and peace be yours in abundance.
I adore you.
Thank you Heather. Thank you. You draw my heart upword.
Chris from Canada
How blessed have I been to be led to you? You are amazing and in prayers, my friend. Thank you for your unending faith, which, because of Him, grows mine.
Amen.
We continue in prayer for God’s will to be fulfilled in you and in your family.
and we do hold each other and our kids a little tighter. :)
Above all, blessed be the name of the Lord.
Hey Heather,
I found your website a few weeks ago through Boomama’s. My sister has lived with a brain tumor for almost 4 years now, though they think she’s had it for many years. They removed what little they could and she’s living with the rest. I also have a son who is developmentally delayed because of a serious neurological disorder. He is two.
I will be praying for you daily. I can’t imagine what you are going through, yet I’m encouraged by your focus being on our living, Almighty God. He is using you to bless others via the internet and right there in the Mayo clinic.
I will be updating my blog later today and will ask people to pray for you.
Blessings to you my sister.
What a wonderful post. I have my house group praying all Thursday here. I couldn’t comment on Kelli’s blog for some reason, but I will be covering the early hours too, as we are 6 hours ahead of you.You are one amazing daughter of God, and we stand alongside you now, praising and loving.
For some reason as I was reading this I had another song come to mind. Tim McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying”
You’re such an inspiration! Praying for complete healing!
Thank you so much. What a gift you have given with your heartfelt post. I am praying for you and your family.
You have made good decisions for your family and I am sure it is a joy to have your little one near to hold.
I have a friend who had the most serious kind of breast cancer. She had small children and a pastor husband. Unbelievable to me (still) was her attitude and her willingness to let the tv news record her story (if someone could be saved…she said)….when she would get a diagnosis…it was in front of the camera….her mastectomy was on the television! She was bathed in prayer…and we celebrate her today as she is totally alive and well and busy with the daily tasks of raising a family and the duties of a pastors wife. It is a bit of an old blog…I am happy to say…but in case it is of any use. I will list the site.
http://www.kluth.org/Sandi/updates-1127to1228.htm
Thank you again for your sharing. You are on my mind constanly….so I will pray. Blessings and grace to you all in the days ahead.
I love that song! I love your spirit and your words. I will be praying and will share your story Wednesday night with our choir when we have our prayer time. Blessings on you! I am in tears.
Heather
Once again I hopped over here to check on you and Mark and here I find YOU giving all of us faith, hope and love. Those who know and love you and are truly Christians will not question your decisions about the children. I know your arms ache to hold them and to stare at their sleeping faces BUT you are doing what is best for them and not yourself. That is you and that is Mark. Your children are blessed to have you and Mark for their parents. Today is May Day and I am sending you an imaginary basket filled with colorful flowers - close your eyes and see it. I hope you know that you and your family are on my mind constantly and I am praying for you. Today just as all the other days I strolled over here to see how you are and what happens - you have inspired me and given me faith that I am sometimes low on. I hope you sleep well and I am so glad you and Mark have this time together. I miss you my dear sweet friend and I will be waiting to help in any way I can if you need me. I am thinking you are way too strong not to be who you already are. I doubt those doctors and rehab folks have any idea who they are about to work with. Between you and God, I am thinking you won’t be down for long! Much love to all of you and give that Emma Grace a big squeeze for me!
Wow, just wow! What an amazing testimony and work God is doing through you.
hugs
Thank you for sharing with us. Our Lord be praised for your peace in Him. You will be in our prayers in the coming days and weeks.
Heather, you do not know me, I’m sure you hear this ALOT these days, but you are me sister, we share the same Father. Your wonderful “letters” have touched me so. I pray for your comfort before and after the procedure. And I hope that you have peace before you close your eyes. I know that you are truly loved, by all the poeple that comment on your blog. I look forward to hearing from you soon telling us all how great you’re doing.
I admire that you are making sure your last couple of days before surgery making sure you tell everyone around you about your hope in Christ. That’s a wonderful testimony!
And I know you already know this, but you are Easton’s mama, and you know better than anybody else what she needs–kudos for not bowing to pressure from others to do something you didn’t feel was right for your family. Stand strong, Heather, stand strong. I’ll continue to pray for you as you approach surgery!
Dear Heather,
I have never written before but I feel led to share something with you. My mom was diagnosed with a brain tumor 10 years ago. They also found her tumor because she had a ringing in her ears. After her surgery she could speak but was a little confused. She lost all memory of how to read, tell time, math skills, but they gave her therapy and she can read her Bible again, cook, do laundry(if she so chooses). The doctors did not think she would live very long, BUT GOD…..two of the most powerful words in the Bible. I have also been thru cancer and I know how you feel. The hardest part for me was dying and they would have to live without me. I had a very rare cancer and they gave me 5 years. I am in my 5th year now and God has done many miracles in my life. You have an amzing testimony as many others have said and I am believing God for a miracle on your behalf. Mom was awake during her surgery and she was witnessing to the doctor thru the beginning of the surgery. My mom has a strong faith and as I read your posts, you do to. May God give you a peace that passes ALL understanding.
Blessings,
Patty
Dear Heather,
Again, I am so deeply moved by your faith and words. May God bless you and take care of you on Thursday. I will be praying for you or should I say continue to pray for you. Everyday since I read your post weeks ago I have been praying for you and your beautiful family. It’s rather ironic that I come to your blog daily to get updates and pray for you and nearly everytime I end up getting encouraged and edified by your words! Just amazing. You’re truly wonderful. God bless you so very much as you are shining His light and glory. Just amazing, you’re simply amazing. Best wishes.
Molly (:
May God bless you and keep you
May God cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you
May God turn His face toward you, and grant you peace
(Numbers 6:24-26)
I too am deeply moved by your faith and your story. God is good! Your faith is incredible and such a witness. I wanted to let you know that I plan to post something tomorrow evening about your surgery, asking those who visit my blog to pray along with you. I plan to use your picture from your profile and link back to some of your entries about your faith and surgery, etc. I wanted to let you know that ahead of time so you can let me know if that is not acceptable to you and if it is not, I won’t use it of course.
I also am asking my Sunday School class to pray for you Heather and your family. God bless you.
My husband, son and I have been praying for you every evening.
Heather, while I was reading your post today, I thought of another Mercy Me song that has impacted my life lately - check out these lyrics to Bring The Rain:
I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I’ve gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It’s never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray
Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there’ll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that’s what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain
I am Yours regardless of
The clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what’s a little rain
So I pray
Holy, holy, holy
*******************************
I can’t say I know what you’re going through, but I’ve battled cancer twice in my life - the first time while my children were very young (toddler and newborn) and the second time about three years ago. I do know, without a doubt, that if it wasn’t for the mercy and love of my Heavenly Father and the support,prayers, and kindness of family and friends I would have given up.
Keep trusting the Lord for His amazing care for you and your family. It’s all in His hands and His ways are incredible. Praise Him!
I am constantly amazed and humbled that you minister to us when we so want to minister to you and your family! I love that its a two way street. Praying and will continue to pray for you and your family.
O Lord, how priceless is Your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of Your wings. They feast on the abundance of Your house; You give them drink from Your river of delights. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light. Continue Your love to Heather and her family and to those who know You, Your righteousness to the upright in heart. (Psalm 36:7-10)
Heather, I am so blessed by your posts! I am praying for you, sister! It is amazing to see Him shine through you, and we are all needing to see it. Thank you for being a willing and faithful vessel. Bless you and your wonderful family.
In His Life,
Scott
AMEN, sweet lady, AMEN. You are living your faith. Bless you and your family.
What a testimony you are!
Praying for you.
Heather~ I found your blog aobut a week ago and I have become a faithful reader and as I sit here with tears once more streaming down my face I just wanted you to know how much you have encouraged me! I have truly been blessed to have stumbled across your site, when most people would run and hide you and your family have stood and been true. I only pray that I will have half of the grace that you have showed.
You and your family are in my prayers
Michelle
Heather,
I am praying for you. I have been thinking about you and sharing your story with all of my teaching friends. I sit here with tears streaming down my face at how much our God loves us. Please know that I am praying for God’s hand to guide your doctor. I am praying for your husband, your children, and your family. You are amazing.
Heather, you are a gift to us! I am amazed at your faith and how you are blessing so many of us at a time when most of us would be turning within ourselves. Bless you. My prayers are with you over the next days.
Praise God for His peace that surpasses all understanding in Christ Jesus. God is so good and so faithful to each of us. He daily loads us with benefits . . . how true! Even in the midst of uncertainty He is there and His blessings abound. You are richly blessed. God bless you for your post sharing who He is and how to know Him. I pray it will make a difference in someone’s life.
I’ll be praying for you, Mark, Easton, Elijah, & little Emma. God already knows the outcome. There is no fear in love but perfect love casts out fear . . .
Still praying for you, Heather. Still asking our loving Father to embrace you every step of the way, to give your hubby strength and peace, to hold your children tightly as they move forward in to the healing phase with you…
Still praying, Heather. And still believing that God will be exalted in all of this.
Heather you have touched my life in such an important way that I can never explain. I have been such a struggling Christian and you have helped me so much with your testimony. Thank you. I will be praying for you- I already have been and will continue to do so.
Thank you Heather!
Amen!
Your beautiful words brought to mind one of my favorite songs by nichole nordeman. These lyrics particularly stood out:
The winds of change and circumstance blow in and all around us
So we find a foothold that’s familiar
And bless the moments that we feel You nearer
I thank Jesus for your beautiful life of love, Heather. I have been and will continue to pray without ceasing and lying on your behalf at the feet of the one who knows you best.
Love, Michelle
What is there to say, we are praying, and thinking of you and your family often, when the daily challenges of my life seem to want to drag me down, I think about you - you have reminded me that God is here, his faith and unyielding love are ever present!
Thank you for reminding me, though I am just at the start of my journey back to the Lord, and I am not ever sure of what path I should take - I look at you and pray for a relationship with Him such as yours!
Your in my prayers!
Beautiful testimony! Without Jesus, life is hopeless…period! After the tragedy at Virginia Tech, I wrote a poem titled, “You Can’t Afford to Wait.” The theme is: You can’t afford to wait…Tomorrow may be too late! If you would like to read the poem, please visit: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/servingtheKingofkings/317395.
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. I also hope and pray that many souls will be saved through reading your blog and witnessing your life.
Thanks for sharing that. My DD16 took voice lessons for a few years and she sang I Can Only Imagine at one of her recitals. Beautiful, touching song. You are so blessed and such a blessing!
Heather, there are no words to describe the way my heart feels right now for you and your family. I am amazed at your strength, but yet shouldn’t be, because it comes straight from the Lord. You are an amazing testimony of God’s grace and love.
There are so many people praying for you that have never sat with you and shared a cup of coffee, but the one and MOST IMPORTANT thing we do share is the commonality of being a child of God.
Know you are loved and prayed for my sista and we look forward to your posts for many years to come!
Much love!
Tracey
I’m praying for you, Heather. I know God is going to do (and has already done) some amazing things.
Heather, this may be one of the strangest things for me to say as you are going thru what you are, but I envy you. I envy your strong testimony and strong faith; I envy the peace that you have; I envy the way you have words to express exactly what you are feeling and what you have in your life. God is definatly using you as a tool to do His work. Thank you for sharing those meaningful words.
Lifting you and your family in prayer.
Dearest Heather,
I just want you to know I am praying for you and your family. I have asked just about everyone I know to pray for you too! I am praying for God to help the doctors that are caring for you as well. You are truly an inspiration to everyone. Please know that you are thought of and loved very much. Praying in Indiana, Jerelene
I’m in tears, but not of sorrow. Tears that reflect a heart that is immeasurably touched by POWERFUL words that give an amazing testimony of faith and of the living God. Heather. HEATHER, THANK YOU! Your words are a priceless gift. I’m near speechless. I know I’ll be reading them again. Praying for you and your family. You are such an amazing wife, mother, and follower of Jesus Christ.
Blessings,
~Toni~
(((by His stripes, we are healed)))
you are an amazing and strong woman! God Bless you and your are in my prayers each and every night.
It’s all been said so I’ll just keep praying.
Prayed, praying, will continue to pray.
Amen and amen to your post.
~Julie~
What an incredible woman you are, Heather. Yours is the kind of faith described in Hebrews 11.
You’re in my prayers as you go forward in this.
Heather,
Your faith, strength and courage are amazing! It is very obvious from your writing that those gifts are from above and that you know their origin deeply. Your writing displays a true testament to God’s love in this world. Please know that my family, friends and I will be praying for you on Thursday. Keep being a true witness!
Your Sister in Christ,
Heather
Definitely in my prayers. What a beautiful post.
Jesus,
I love that in You there is no time or distance. Right here right now You are. I love that the Family of God really is a family. We can bicker over the silliest of things, but when it comes down to the real issues, we are knit together. So when I tell You I have a little sister that is shaming us with her faith, You get it! when I tell You I have a little sister that not only knows about grace and mercy, she lives it full throttle, You know who I mean. And Lord when I plead for You to pour out Your spirit on Heather and Mark You whisper “It is already done” and I find peace in knowing my God is so much bigger than this tumor and so much closer to you than this keyboard. I serve a God that is all about wrapping His arms around us as we sit on His lap. I love a God that takes the groanings in my spirit and makes them audible before the throne of grace for a little sister in Christ I have never met, but know so intimately and love whole heartedly. All because of a cross and the blood that flows from it into our hearts, making us one.Only in Jesus.
Because of Jesus, Bobbie
Heather: I send you prayers, support and cyber-love. I will especially be keeping your husband, children, parents, and all of your caregivers there at the Mayo Clinic in prayer in the coming days. You are a remarkable witness. Your faith is amazing. I will pray for you to continue to be strong. Blessings to you. Even in the face of this great adversity, you have touched many lives . . . including mine. I hope you find comfort in the knowledge of that being part of your unique and special purpose on this journey.
WOW - girl that is just soooo unbelievably powerful!!! You are awesome!
I miss you tons and am thinking about you all the time.
I totally think you are right to spare Easton and Elijah. But oh - it must be breaking your heart!!!
{{{HUGS}}}
Continuing to pray for you, your husband, children, parents, surgeons, doctors, nurses, anyone else the Lord brings to mind. Praying for the Holy Spirit to fill you and your family, for the Lord to wrap His loving arms around you all. When I read your posts, I can feel the Lord’s presence - He is HERE! May He hear the prayers being lifted up for you. May many become believers in Jesus and be encouraged in their faith as a result of you sharing your life with us. I am praying that the outcome of this will be better than we can imagine, that the miracles can only be attributed to the Lord’s hand.
Blessings,
Kate
I found your website only a couple of weeks ago, and have been holding you in my prayers since. Your entry today is precious, that you show such love and concern for others in your own time of trial really shows your walk with Jesus. Praying for you from France, Debbie
Oh sweetheart…..when I first *met* you in the blog party you were just thinking of giving up your blog because you had nothing to say any more and you wanted LIFE with your kids.
I hadn’t followed you since then, but just went to bookmark you tonight…..and look waht I found. My eyes were stinging as I read through from the first post. There was a lump in my throat, and by the time I got to this last post the tears were falling.
Hold on to Jesus. Hold your family close.
I will be praying for you all.
prayers for heather from kate in new zealand X
Continuing to pray!
With so many faithful people praying for you, Heather, we know that you and your family will be blessed no matter what the outcome of this day’s events, and God will use you and your story in a mighty way to bless the world. Many hugs and prayers coming your way this day and throughout your procedure. Looking forward to a celebration soon! Nina
We’re praying for you and thinking very good thoughts! all the best…
Father as Heather goes in for this operation I belive you will have only those that know and love you take work on her and take care of her while she is in the hospital. Jesus place your hands on the Drs as he works on our sister. Father place very special angels all around Heather and all that she loves as she has this done. We believe Father God that she will come out of this with no problems and that she will have a mirical healing. We belive this will be done Fatehr for you have told us that if two or mor ask in the name of Jesus Christ your son that you will hear and answer all our prayers. So in Jesus name Father we thank you for the merical healing you are giving to our sister right now. We thank you for this mirical for Heather Father God and we love you so very much. You are our God and we worship you and praise your holy name. In Jesus name we as one pray. Amen and amen.
I look forward to hearing the wonderful report as you come through all of this my sister. Rest in the Arms of our God sissy and know that He is always holding you in His loving arms. Love, Jesus hugs and prayers Bishop Barbara
Once again your post is such an inspiration.
You’re an amazing woman, Heather and very much a wonderful sharer of faith.
God Bless you and yours~
Beautifully said! I love watching others draw nearer to Him…Heather, it’s all worth it. If only to draw you and others close to Him, it is absolutely worth it. Continue to be obedient in your calling.
I love you and I am praying.
Amen.
Heather, this is what being in the body of Christ is all about: knowing that in all and through all, God is still our God who is be praised and adored, not inspite of our circumstances, but because of them. Praying for your sweet heart and your big head. Tee hee hee… I couldn’t resist! God is bigger than the boogie man and brain tumor. He’s got you covered.
Heather, I’ll be praying for you on Thursday at 11. Your faith is a wonderful testimony.
Heather:
I am praising Jesus for the strength HE has give you to face this surgery! What a powerful testimony you share…I received such a blessing reading your “48 hours” entry. Know my prayers are with you. We will put you on our church bulletin prayer list. I look forward to miraculous results! Whatever takes place, remember He does nothing without a Kingdom purpose…and some day we will all clearly see the “big picture.” Praising Him for your witness, Lucy.
YOU are a testimony to His grace and love. You are truly inspiring Heather. Please get well and know that you are continually in my prayers. For some reason we were praying hard Tuesday thinking that you were in surgery then. I had my Ts mixed up. We will be praying hard tomorrow. God bless you, friend!
i am praying so hard for you…because we need someone like you here on earth to guide us.
Hi, I just found your blog after it was sent to me and I read this post…I just wanted to let you know that I am and will be praying for you and your family. God is AMAZING! sending prayers your way…
Oh Heather,
I couldn’t wait to rush home from Bible Study today and share with you just a bit of our lesson. We are doing in the dust of the Rabbi. Part of the text was Matt 14: 24-36 about Jesus sending the disciples out ALONE in the boat as he watched a storm come over them. (That is kind of where you might feel you are right now) But Jesus is watching and when it is time for him to walk out to you He will. And even though the storm is raging and you may not know if it is really Jesus coming to you, when you step out of the boat(and you will step out of the boat because your Passion for the Lord is evident) so when you do step out and walk to the Lord, even thought you may still be in the storm and might doubt your ability towalk on water, JESUS will take you by the hand and walk with you (notice when you are holding his hand even if you sank a little, NOW you are walking on the water!) You will walk on water! When you get back to the boat and are surrounded by those who love you and worship the Lord just as Peter did, The storm ends… abruptly, just as suddenly as it came upon you, it ends.
So as brave as you were to get into the boat and begin sailing across this unknown sea, remember Jesus is faithfully watching over you and is ready to not only come to you, but call you to become more like Him and do what He does for the Glory of the Lord.Walk on!
Because of Jesus, Bobbie
Heather -
Wow! God is glorified in it all. Praying for you and family. I hope you can feel our love.
What an amazing testimony Heather!!!!!
Thank you so much for sharing this and all your other thoughts during this time. Your words are so very powerful.
I’m praying and will keep on.
Amen! What your husband said to you brought tears to my eyes.
Heather and family, I have been thinking about you all week and last! I miss you all so much. I just want to let you know if any of you need anything I am only an hour and half away from the Mayo clinic. My thoughts and Prayers are with you. Love always shara
Heather
From the moment my feet touched the floor today I have thought of you and your family. My prayers and blessings are with you and your family. I read your post today and you brought tears to my eyes. In the midst of all this you stand strong and minister to all of us. He works beautifully within you.
I find it difficult to hear how judgemental people can be. How you and your family handle this is your choice and you know what works best for you. I will be praying for you and your family and I know you will come out of this with positive results. You still have much to share with people, you are blessed with the love of the lord.
I will also be praying for the doctors and nurses caring for you today, and caring for your family as they have the difficult task of waiting. God bless you all. Your prayers in Canada are covered.
Dawn
Heather,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. I just found your website last night; I wish it had been sooner. Your life, your testimony and that of your family has done what you had hoped….it has brought me back to God and allowed me to establish a closer relationship with Him. I had been struggling for so long and last night after reading your site…a peace came over me as I read “Seek Him. He is so much closer than you think”; He was here waiting for me to set aside my struggles and walk into His arms. It was one of the most amazing things I have ever experienced. Words cannot express my feelings of gratitude. Thank you and God Bless you and your family! You all will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Renee’
You overwhelm me….but in a good way. I was directed here by my good friend Laura N and I am so grateful to her for sharing her wonderful friend with me :) Im such a sap, everyone who knows me knows that….but somehow right this moment i dont feel so silly for sitting here crying, I feel blessed that God allows me to feel this much for others, and the knowledge that he will hear me when I pray for your life, your peace of mind and you strength ! thank you for reminding me how precious life is……smile, and know you have made a difference in someones life here in Michigan
~Heather lEE