having taken with you only one thing… I pray that it is Jesus. I pray that He touches you, and you leave here renewed and uplifted. I pray that if you came in doubting His love for you, you leave here knowing that He loves you more than I could ever find words to describe on this blog.
If you learn anything from my journey, I pray that you realize it isn’t about me. It isn’t about my cancer, or my daughters illness, its about the hope that I have in Him, even when I cant feel His hand, He is still there. He holds every tear that I shed in His hand.
He is holding you, even when you cant feel it… He is there. He loves you.
He means it.
Casting Crowns – East to West
Here I am Lord and I’m drowning
In your sea of forgetfulness
The chains of yesterday surround me
I yearn for peace and rest
I don’t want to end up where you found me
And it echoes in my mind
Keeps me awake tonight
I know you’ve cast my sins as far
As the East is from the West
And I stand before you now
As though I’ve never sinned but today
I feel like I’m just one mistake away
From you leaving me this way
Jesus can you show me
Just how far the East is from the West
Cause I can’t bear to see the man I’ve been
Come rising up in me again
In the arms of your mercy I find rest
Cause you know just how far the East is from the West
From one scarred hand to the other
I start the day the war begins
And less reminding of my sin
Time and time again
Your truth Is drowned out by the storm I’m in
Today I feel like I’m just one mistake away
From you leaving me this way
Jesus can you show me
Just how far the East is from the West
Cause I can’t bear to see the man I’ve been
Come rising up in me again
In the arms of your mercy I find rest
Cause you know just how far the East is from the West
From one scarred hand to the other
I know you’ve washed me white
Turned my darkness into light
I need your peace to get me through
To get me through this night
I can’t live by what I feel
But by the truth your word reveals
I’m not holding on to you
But your holding on to me
Your holding on to me
Jesus, you know just how far
The East is from the West
I don’t have to see the man I’ve been
Come rising up in me again
In the arms of your mercy I find rest
Cause you know just how far the East is from the West
From one scarred hand to the other
From one scarred hand to the other
Every time I leave this blog I carry with me these messages, Heather. Your journey constantly reminds me of who He is and His unfailing love.
And tonight I too will find rest in His arms of mercy.
Prayers continue.
Heather, you writings always remind me of God’s mercies which are new every morning. And that our lives are all about bringing glory to our Savior, Jesus Christ. Thank you for sharing your life with others.
I just posted this song on my blog as well–great, great song.
God is awesome!
As one of my favorite pastors likes to say, “I see God all over you.” Whenever I come here, I know I’ll find a glimpse of Jesus. When I’m fighting loneliness, feeling as if there’s some crazy block between me and my Savior, I know that I can come here and see that He is here.
One other thing….I read several blogs, and more than a few of them are written by people struggling with cancer or another illness, or they’ve even lost someone. The big shining difference between most of those blogs and yours is this: Jesus. Your blog has hope, hope that transcends this life in the here and now, hope that clearly points us to Jesus. It is that hope – Jesus – that makes all the difference in the world.
Thank you for sharing Jesus with us faithfully. Thank you for that, for it means more than you could know right now.
Heather,
I always leave your blog feeling blessed.
I also wanted to let you know about a sweet family who is going through a struggle too. http://conorbootheandgirls.blogspot.com/
They are another inspiration regarding the Lord’s Sovereignty.
Blessings,
Karla
Bless you Heather! I am so greatful for the message that God shares with me each time I visit your blog.
Thank you (again)… would you believe that this song was playing (for me) this morning on my way to church? (Of course you would.) And I’m catching on… through my trials right now… through my doubt… and through my loneliness… I’ve been reminded that I’m not alone… and that He hasn’t forgotten.
Thanking God for how He is using your trials to bring glory to His name. There will be some crowns waiting to be thrown at His feet at the finish of all this. Keep going girl!
Heather, I always feel that way after reading your blog. You remind me constantly how God can use trials for His glory – and how He uses those trials to, to teach us things we might not learn otherwise.
I thank God for the path that lead me to following your blog – even though I don’t comment often, I read every entry, and I pray for you every day.
God bless you.
Heather, you cannot even comprehend how many lives God has been able to touch through you and your blog. Please know that I am praying for you and your family, and that I am forever grateful that I stumbled upon your blog and have been so blessed by your insight and journey. I’ve never commented before, although many times I should have, to provide support and encouragement to you, who provide that to so many of us daily, so I thought today was a good day to let you know I read your blog and have been touched. Thank you.
Well said, Heather, God is so good and always there.
Hugs & prayers,
Norma
Heather,
I am reminded again just now as I have been today that we are here for the Lords glory and this life is a stepping stone to LIFE and everything that we do if it is not for the LORD then it is in vain, this I think about regarding my walk.
He that dwells in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”—Psalm 91:11
Praying for you Heather,
God bless you.
Thanks for your openess, your journey.
I love lifting you up to our King as You lift Him up to the Lost, the searching, those who may have misplaced their faith.
Continue on Little Sister!
Psalm 3:3-5
But you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. 4 To the Lord I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. Selah 5 I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me
Because of Jesus,Bobbie
It’s funny (not necessarily haha
)…you should mention getting Jesus from your blog. I started reading blogs about 10 months ago. Yours was one of the first one’s I read and I loved it. You have an amazing spirit. Even when you are struggling, your light for Christ shines. It has been hard for me to remember what it is like to have emotional attachment to Christ, for a variety of selfish reasons. And now, for a host of reasons, including reading your blog, I feel myself closing in on a relationship with my Savior. The song you chose…we were JUST talking about it last night! How cool is that???? I love you Heather…I pray for you and I am thankful for you…oh and we’ve never met 
Gotta love some internet!
You are a constant reminder Heather.
Every word I read is a constant reminder.
Thanks!
Heather,
If anyone leaves your blog without encountering the living Christ Jesus, they must not have spent enough time here! You truly are an inspiration and an encourager to many.
Blessing upon you sweet Heather!
Heather,
(((hugs))) you dont know how much you encourage every one of us….and we are all standing in the gap for you. As a mom with an autistic daughtermyself, I understand how you want to be here for her, we know the dr gives us a diagnosis but we cant look to tommorow or a week, or evem a month from now, we have to live for today. God only knows our tommorow!!!!
Heather,
This is approximately the third time I have visited your blog, and EVERY SINGLE TIME I have come away with something that ministers to my heart and spirit.
I just lost my mother about 2 weeks ago and so many things you have said have brought comfort and peace to my soul.
My husband said something at my mothers services, something along these lines..You may be the light in someones week…you may be the light in someones day…DON’T GIVE UP!!!
Matthew 5 says…NLT
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.
14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Be Blessed!
I so enjoyed talking to you today.
Love you.
Honest.
Praying that we both get things settled soon.
me
I pray tonight that God blesses you ten fold for the blessings you give us
here in your “Home” on this blog. Your spirit is a sweet fragrance to the
Lord and I know in my heart He is so pleased with your faithfulness to always give Him the credit and glory for your life. Thank you for who you are and I pray this week blesses you and has you dancing with joy and praise
around your home. Feel well and wonderful as He is continuing to work out His plan to bless you and not harm you. Keep Hope humming in your heart and know you are loved by many. You are you know!!
Laurie in Ca.
I thank the Lord everyday for you. He speaks to my heart, though you. Your words (or should I say His words) are so powerful and amazing. Thank you for who you are, Heather.
Thanks for encouraging me, Heather. The struggles in my life, though they are difficult for me, are not nearly as much as you are going through. Thanks for the reminder that God is with us, no matter what we face. I’ll keep praying that the chemo would go well and do it’s thing. May you have many, many good homeschool days, too!
In Christ,
Kate
Heather, through your blog you have shown Just Jesus a million times. If I never came back to your posts again, (which is not going to happen), I would forever remember Especially Heather and her love for Him in the face of trials. Thank you for sharing Jesus with everyone. I thank God for you and your family and for the light that shines in the darkness. I do not believe that I stumbled upon your blog, but that God led me to you so I forever would be changed. Praying a good week for you, Love, Lynnebee
Heather~
There is not an ounce of doubt that we see Jesus when we come here. I feel Him every time I arrive here, and I walk more confidently and with more hope each time I walk away from your page.
Thank you for reminding me He holds each of my tears in His hand as I have awakened weeping this morning. Your posts touch my heart and any girl who uses Casting Crowns as an illustration is a kindred spirit indeed. Sending hugs, love and my prayers your way today. May the love of our Lord sustain you today.
I love this song, Heather, and we are SO blessed! BLESSED, BLESSED, BLESSED… even with the cancer in our lives! We have Jesus and the peace that gives us. Our sins are so removed that He remembers them “no more”… SO BLESSED!!! We can NOT lose with Him on our side!! (((((( hugs)))))))
thank you for being a bright light of hope and truth in the midst of a dark and dreary world.
I needed to read this. It’s helping me already.
Amen!
(((BIG hug)))
Amy
Amen…
xoxo
Be well and smile. You’ve made me smile.
xoxo
Christie
Everytime I come read your blog I am amazed. You give so much of yourself to everyone else. And with this post you are doing it again.
By the way, I love Casting Crowns and they are coming thru Texas in October. I have my tickets already!
God bless YOU.
With Prayers,
Tiffany
Heather… you’re awesome! Thanks so much for reminding me of the love of our Abba that loves us dearly. I’m always amazed by your faith when I read your words, and am being encourage in mine. I found this at embracingmycup.blogspot.com and love it. I know that there are times that you’re oooh so exhausted but it’s a great little thing to put up where you can easily see it.
…and that is exactly, exactly what I’ve taken from this blog. Coming here is a constant encouragement to me, because of how I’m challenged in my walk with Jesus… it is just Him… He shines out of you.
Heather,
Thank-you for your sweet spirit. Whatever we take from here, God will bless. Thank-you for the opportunity to share in God’s blessings.
Praying for you,
michelle
Thank you for being such an amazing vessel for God’s purpose.
Someone above said they “see God all over you” and I whole heartedly second that! There is never a time that I come to your blog and not go away blessed. There is such a strong prescence of God here- Thank you!
Praise you sister – your love for Christ is so contagious – your walk is genuine and transparent – you are a real woman – a real mother – a real wife – and a real survivor – you have the power of Christ radiating thru your walk – every weakness you have shared has been lifted up to the throne – thank you for sharing your testimony with me – it is an open book and the story is growing…
This weekend at a Women of Faith confernece I took away this: We all go thru times – fires/ waters/ hurts etc… but thru – has a begninning, a middle, and an end… You will be able to talk about this past tense – and what a story it will be!
Your family has to be so in love with you – what a gift you are to me! 
Hugs! AmandaB.
Blessings, Heather. It IS about Him. But, he sure does use lovely people like you. I’m so grateful to “know you”, despite the unfortunate circumstances which brought me initially to your blog. You are amazing. I can only imagine what a glorious testimony yours will continue to be.
Yes Heather…The Lord does hold every tear you shed in His hands and then He puts them into His bottle.
Every one of them is precious to Him.
Then He holds you.
Deuteronomy 33:12
And of Benjamin he said, The beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by him; and the Lord shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders.
Love Terry
“Touching Words From Heather”
Felisol said…
Dear Heather,
how wonderful of your to share this testimony.
I’m always sorry for you and your daughter and you are in my prayers all the time.
But this morning, o7,I woke up after a bad night, this happens, to all, went to the pilgrims and your testimony stirred me deeply and encouraged me going on going on. Thank you.
Yours Felisol
September 25, 2007 1:10 AM
We’re not going anywhere…and we see Jesus in everything you say or write.
I love this song … it touches me each time I hear it, even though I’ve been a Christian for over 20 years! It’s amazing how music can speak to us!!!
“I pray that He touches you, and you leave here renewed and uplifted.”
Heather, this is why I come and read your blog…to be reminded of the unconditional love Jesus has for me and for all of us. I always leave your blog feeling renewed and uplifted.
Thank you for sharing your inspiring faith with all of us!
Heather once again your blog has been just what I needed to hear. I was just diagnosed with uterine cancer one week ago. I am 40 years old a wife and mom to three children. I’m scared – yet I know through this all God has a plan and He will hold me in the palm of His hand and never let me go. Thanks for the reminder to of how awesome God’s love is and that as my tears are falling He is there catching them.
Praying for you Heather!
God’s Blessings –
Kristy
“Touching Words From Heather”
Felisol said…
Dear Heather,
how wonderful of your to share this testimony.
I’m always sorry for you and your daughter and you are in my prayers all the time.
But this morning, o7,I woke up after a bad night, this happens, to all, went to the pilgrims and your testimony stirred me deeply and encouraged me going on going on. Thank you.
Yours Felisol
September 25, 2007 1:10 AM
Terry said…
Yes Heather…The Lord does hold every tear you shed in His hands and then He puts them into His bottle.
Every one of them is precious to Him.
Then He holds you.
Deuteronomy 33:12
And of Benjamin he said, The beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by him; and the Lord shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders.
Love Terry
September 25, 2007 3:55 AM
passing-thru said…
GOOD STUFF
September 25, 2007 7:01 AM
donna said…
There will never be adequate words to express to Heather how deep into my soul her testimony, courage and love for God reaches….He places her in my heart each day as I pray and thank Him for her.
donna
September 25, 2007 8:55 AM
Heather, The praise and worship service I was planning went fine, even with all the “roadblocks”. One song that moved me the most during the service was, Lord You’re Beautiful…..Your face is all I seek. For when Your eyes are on this child, Your GRACE abound to me ! I have printed and posted above my computer to see all the time. My prayers are with you, I take Jesus from your blog everyday.
I am uplifted and amazed at your faith and love for Jesus each time I come here. I hope that was not a farewell post!!!!
Vicki said…
Heather’s life and faith bless me so much! I see Jesus in her.
May His love continue to undergird you, my sister in Christ. {{hugs}}
September 25, 2007 10:21 PM
I truly needed to read this right now, even in coming across this blog this morning as I’m sitting here unable to sleep and just getting thru wiping tears from my eyes, this shows his provisions for me and unfailing love even when it seems like it’s just me.
Blessings, Heather! I almost put East to West on my blog this morning but chose a new Jeremy Camp one for the 10 Commandments movie. I’m glad I saw it here again!!
God bless,
Sallie
Heather, no question about it…Jesus is here because he was here for Donna.