First of all, thank you for your sweet comments on my last post, Mark and I had a good cry last night and I am better. I know that this wont be the last time I break, but to know that there are loving individuals who long to put me back together again makes it easier..
And then there is the love and grace of my Savior.. He is faithful even in my weakest moments. I can’t begin to tell you what this is like, only those of you who have experienced it can know… but even in my darkest moments I will praise Him.. And when I don’t have the strength to lift my hands to heaven, I know He knows my heart…
You know, when I have a bad day – like yesterday – I find myself constantly reminding myself of your strength and power, your belief in the love God has for you – your conviction, your love of life and your family…You are an inspiration to so many, as well as me – Your in my thoughts and prayers daily!
i must check my email each morning while you post to your blog.
I am so glad to hear you are better this morning, I can only imagine how I would handle such a situation and I can only hope it would be with as much grace as you have done.
I have so enjoyed all of your YouTube videos, thank you for the daily encouragemnt and inspiration!
Hugs & Blessings,
Tiany
Have a wonderful weekend with your family!!
Heather, I am thinking of you and checking in with you everyday. Just keep up the positive thoughts boh for your self and Emma and you will make it through.
CJ
Lord Jesus, I am reminded of Corrie Ten Boom, and her sister Betsie, who suffered Lord- they suffered for doing good. You were so gracious to them also, and you were glorified. You are worthy of our trust. You are a God of love. Meanwhile we groan, longing for you, and what you have for us…a perfect body, no more death. Teach us patience, give us your strength. Let us shine to a dark world. Lord, I know you see Heather, glorify yourself in her life and in the life of her family. We see you in her, and it is wonder-FULL.
Amen
Heather,
It is OK to cry! I think I did it every day for six months while going through chemo! You are right…no-one understands what you are going through except maybe those who have been there and of course, the ONE who has allowed and designed this for your life. Cry out to Him. He will be there and He will give you peace that passes all understanding! I have seen it happen in my own life. When this is over, you will have so much to thank and praise Him for! Cast ALL your cares upon Him for He cares for you.
If you ever need an ear to vent to or someone to encourage you who has been there just a short time ago, then please email me. jgdunn@wi.rr.com .
I am praying for you.
Love,
Gina
Mine are lifted with you, Heather…and for you Heather, I cry out…Lord sustain, make strong and deliver my friend from all her infirmities. She looks to you Lord. We run to Your Strong Tower, Your Name, Lord…and we are safe. So let those waves crash and the thunder be near, we Trust in You Lord. You are our safety and you are good.
Love,
Holly
Heather:
I got your web address from your comment on Leroy Sievers’ blog.
I just want to add to the love that I see you are getting from your friends in their comments on your website. What great support to have from your friends! I’m so sorry you are scared and sad. Why, with all the other burdens you were bearing do you also have to have brain cancer??? WHY? WHY? WHY? does our loving God allow suffering like this?
That’s a mystery we won’t have the answer to until we are sitting face-to-face with Him, I guess. For me, heaven will be having some answers to these unanswerable questions.
It does help, though, to know He understands us. Even Jesus, on the cross, cried out to the Father: “Why have you abandoned me?” So we know that He understands our fears and pain and grief.
His mother understands your anguish, too. You must be so afraid to think of leaving your three children, especially Emma, who needs you so much. Mary’s mother’s heart must ache for you.
Blessings and peace of heart and soul to you, You are in my prayers, too.
Sandra (BrCa mets patient)
Heather – we are still praying for you every day and checking in to follow your journey. Although we cannot be there to hold you and hug you and love you and your little family, we are there in spirit. Please know that your struggles are being used in a mighty way by our Father to bring others to Himself. Your strength, even and especially in your weakness, has touched so many lives. We continue in prayer . . . . . . Nina
I will lift my hands for you heather. I will praise Him for the things that he’s touched my life with, through you.
I have become closer to God because of your testimony. you shine His glory.
I’m glad you are feeling a bit better today.
Praying for a glorious weekend for you.
xx
Your light is shining so brightly; may it ever be so! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
You are a true inspiration. What a blessing to read the honesty of your posts. Thank you for sharing this hard and personal journey with us.
JoAnn
Oh dear sister in Christ, I am continuing to pray for you Heather. You are such a light for the Lord! Lean on our Father and He will do the rest.
Fall on Him, Heather. For I know that you know, no one else is strong enough to carry our loads. If we were all just brave enough to admit it.
You are brave and you’ve shared and blessed us all by pointing everyone to the only ONE who will be strong enough to get us all through to the finish line.
So very sorry you must go through this, so very grateful you are willing to be real and in doing so bless all of us who come here with our prayers for you and your family.
In Him,
Julie
((( hugs ))) Still praying! D
Sometimes a good cry is the very best medicine of all.
Heather,
You are being prayed for RIGHT NOW!! …and RIGHT NOW! and RIGHT NOW! and so on and so on…….
God hears all of us in “Blogdom” lifting your family up 24/7 — he’s GOT to be listening to our loud and clear requests — so loud because the number of petitioners is HUGE!!
I’m smiling right now, picturing God receiving our prayers — continual, repetitive, and earnest….”Lord, please heal Heather, and Emma, and comfort each member of their family. Continue to use their testimony for YOUR glory and to reach other people who may not know You. We believe that you will, Lord! We thank you in advance!!
”
Love Always,
Julie in Texas
Bless your precious heart, Heather. I am still praying for you daily, dear one. You have once again inspired me to take steps forward each and every day, knowing the same God who walks with and ahead of you walks with me through life’s journey. May He cradle you close as you lean on Him for strength.
Ecc. 4:10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
You may think we are picking you up, but as most of your comments affirm, it is you that is picking us up.
Many have returned to the Lord, recommitted their walk and sought the Lord on account of the word of your testimony!
Even Moses needed someone to old hi up when the battle was raging!
because f jesus, Bobbie
Dear Heather,We all love you,and your wonderful family.Stay strong.Still praying.
Bambie in Tx.
What a beautiful song. I wept through it for you Heather.
Bless you.
Heather, I’m new here … but I just had to let you know that I’m reading and thinking about you. It’s been a weird few months in my life as of late and I’ve been drawn to your blog randomly (literally I stumbled upon it) and I’ve really been taking a different look at my life since stumbling. Thank you for all your posts and your subtle, yet still powerful, encouragement.
Pssst … it’s okay to have low points … really, it is!!! I take great honor in lifting you up in prayer when you have moments like that… one day, I’m sure the favor will be returned!!!
Hang in there…
(((((((((BIG HUGS)))))))))))))
I am still praying for you, Sister!
Shari
I am still praying for you. I am in awe of your faith.
Hugs,
Jennifer
My dear friend:
I hope you were able to put your head on the pillow last night knowing how much you are loved by so many. I am lucky I know you in the real world and I am fortunate enough to call you my friend. Let those tears fall and be reminded that you are at times fragile and there are so many who love you so dearly and pray for you. Be remindful of your friend Laura and the loving parents you have. Mark and the kids round out the best of all gifts for you! Hooray for Emma Grace! Because of you and Mark she has grown and continues to develop that wonderful and delightful personality. So very happy to hear the good report. Enjoy the weekend and stay in the warmth of oyur friends family and that incredible faith.
Go ahead and cry
Today has been my difficult day…so I allowed the tears…I have been sitting in silence and talking toGod…then I lisitened to your song on your blog and had another good cry. Thank you for youe willingness to be so seen….and vulnerable. What a gift.
hello,
i know you dont know me but i have just felt compelled to write you. i somehow stumbeled upon your blog one day and have been reading about you ever since. first of all, i just want you to know you have moved me and you are in my prayers. i am so sorry you have to go through these hard times. i know we sometimes dont know the reasons for our trials, but i do know they would all be for not if we didnt learn from them, grow from them and share them. that is exactly what i see in you and your strengh. you are sharing and growing and i just have to tell you i have cried a tear for you, being a total stranger and thought about you and shared your story. and as i have thought about you and my heart has cried for you, all i could come to was the realization that i was supposed to read about you and grow from your strength and learn from you writings and to live everyday with love, compassion, honesty and just live happy! everyday i hug my 2 boys with you in mind knowing that we all never know when we are going to be called to come home. i just had to write and thank you and tell you that you have more people than you can even imagine praying for you and thinking about you. thank you thank you thank you!
The Lord will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. Isaiah 58:11
I love how he says he will guide us continually, not sometimes, not when he feels like it, but continually. And that HE can always satisfy us no matter what place in life we are.
oh, heather, i’m sorry about yesterday. i know you know, but it’s so okay to break down and not be strong. elijah ran away, cried, slept, cried some more, slept some more… in your weakness…
i’m still praying for you and so glad today is better. His mercies are new and i hope they just keep washing over you.
Heather:
I understand those dark moments. When my daughter Mary was stillborn, I had many dark moments. It is in those moments that we praise the Lord and remember that He loves us even when we don’t understand how this can work out for our good. I think that you are doing great! I can hear your praise even in those dark moments! Tears are not a bad thing! Believe me, your willingness to share honestly is a blessing to others and me.
Love,
Heather
“And when I don’t have the strength to lift my hands to heaven, I know He knows my heart…”
Let us readers be your Aaron & Hur to uphold your arms and they did with Moses.
So it came about when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set. Exodus 17:11,12
Another sister, upholding you in prayer,
Loni
You are such an inspiration, Heather, to me and to all of us, I know. God knows it’s hard right now- He really does. But He is always with you…
All I can say is how much you and your family have become a part of my life right now and I praying for you always…
xo
Blessings to the two of you. Surrounding you with prayer and love. I pray His peace will fill your hearts and that He will carry You whenever you are too weary to go on. I pray He will send a fresh anointing and fill you with His joy.
Praying for you dear Heather. THough we have not met, I check your blog daily and pray for you also. God is using you in a mighty way to bless and inspire all of your readers in faith. Bless You…
This is a roller coaster ride, isn’t it? There will be downs and there will be ups, but you have an amazing ability to lift not only yourself up but so many others also. And one day…I can almost promise…you will wake up and forget about the tumor.
I know.
He is even more faithful when we are weak. You are an amazing woman. God bless.
Lay your burden upon Him and he will give you rest.
Dear Heather,
You don’t know me from a hole in the wall, but I’ve been reading your blog since mid-May or so. This is my first comment.
I just wanted to tell you that I think you are heroic. I think you have embraced the Graces that God the Almighty hands out to us with both arms, and I am inspired by you.
I was married once before my current marriage. My husband died at the age of 37. He died from complications associated with multiple sclerosis. He was my hero. He gave me life. He inspired me. He was the visualization of the Passion of Christ. As are we all to one another – if we watch. If we understand.
I just want to tell you that your vocation, as a person with cancer – as a person created as the unique and beautiful person God has created in you – is a vocation that feeds. It feeds others, like myself and all the other hundreds of people who are reading your posts about this time in your life.
I’m a Catholic, Heather. And I love my faith. And I believe you, you are a saint in the making.
As are we all, yes, but you, my dear, are making it real.
I extend my sincere prayers for your healing and for all of our learning from you.
May the Grace of Almighty God descend upon you and remain with you always.
Heather,
You have my continued prayers for you and your family, too! I can’t begin to tell you how much our Lord has taught me through your suffering– and I know you have touched the lives of so many as well. I keep reminding myself of two things you say– we are not promised tomorrow, and let go of the little things. I continue to lean on God for strength when I go through my trials, so trivial in comparison to yours, and offer my suffering to Him.
You are dear in my heart, Heather, and I continue to pray . . .
Dear Heather,As I listen to your song and read your post,I feel peace with our god.You give me strength to meet the challenge of my knee replacement surgery on monday, June 4th.Thanks for all of your inspiring words and blessings to you and your family. Love ya, Baba
I am one of your Aarons & Hurs, previously referenced. We (your readers) are holding your hands up, just like Moses, when you arms are heavy. That stone Moses sat on, I believe, was a type and shadow of Jesus, The Rock. Sit on your Rock, Jesus, and let your Aarons & Hurs hold your arms up, when you cannot. We love you and pray for you, even though many of us will never know you personally this side of Heaven, but one day, yes one day, we will all know each other. PRAYING, PRAYING, PRAYING.
Heather, The MRI came back in the normal range. I asked what they were discussing. It turns out the structure or celitercica (sp) never developed fully. But it won’t cause problems for me, he said. It may however have affected my thyroid. So off I go to the endocrinologist. THANK YOU for your prayers, Friend!
Our family continues to pray for Especially Heather. We ask for God to come in and do what only He can do! We love ya’ll!!
Holly
For Heather & Emma Grace
Hold On To Jesus
You’re a little piece of heaven
You’re a golden ray of light
And I wish I could protect you
From the worries of this life
But if there’s one thing I could tell you
It’s no matter what you do
Hold on to Jesus -
He’s holding on to you
The world will try to tell you
That might is more than right
That beauty’s on the outside
And being good’s a losing fight
But remember what I’ve told you
Because the world will make you choose
Hold on to Jesus -
He’s holding on to you
Hold on to Jesus
Cling to His love
Rest deep in His mercy
Whenever things get rough
Don’t lose sight of His goodness
And don’t ever doubt this truth
That when you hold on to Jesus
He’s holding on to you
Hear me dear Jesus
Rock this little one to sleep
Keep her close when she’s scared
And give her grace when she is weak
I know she’ll stumble
But I know she’ll make it through
If you hold on to her just like
You said You’d do
Hold her Jesus -
And she’ll hold on tight to You
Heather, this is the second reading from this Sunday’s mass. I thought of you.
Romans 5: 1 – 5
1 Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Through him we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in our hope of sharing the glory of God.
3 More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,
4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,
5 and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.
I think of you often. xoxo
You know, no matter how strong we are or our faith, there are times we will break down. I am a pretty tough character and not much phases me but sometimes it is a bit much and I need a good cry or a good hissy fit! Sending much love and hugs your way! Michelle
Heather, Still keeping you close in thoughts and prayers.May peace and comfort surround you and your dear family.
Continuing to pray for you and your family! It’s wonderful to see such love and support for you here on your website. Thank you for sharing.
I don’t know you but we have the same Father and I have to break this internet barrier between reader and writer and tell you that I am praying for you and your family and checking in often.
with Love,
Lisa
Just another Mama from cyberspace who cares about what you are going through, understands the blue days, rejoices over the good days and continues to pray for you, and your beautiful family. Blessings,