I wanted to share my latest prayer email with you, because I wanted all of you who read my blog to be "in" on the thoughts I am having about prayer. So, below you will read the email I have sent this morning to Nick's prayer warriors all over the world. Thanks for reading, caring, and praying!





Dear Prayer Warriors,




It seems like weeks since I have written. Mom has been here visiting for the past week, and so I have taken the opportunity to sub when I can. Today I didn't have a sub assignment, so I am enjoying the chance to spend time with Nick and Mom and also update all of you! Tomorrow I am subbing for the high school band director at West (in case you needed a laugh today). I have enjoyed seeing my friends at East the past couple of days! Thank you for your love and hugs! I also had the privilege of speaking at a Church of God here in Grayson on Tuesday evening and I walked away so blessed. The women of the church encircled and prayed out loud in unison over me. I was brought to tears as I heard bits and pieces of each woman's words lifted to God...I specifically remembering hearing the phrase, "you knew Nick before he was born....you knew his parents were just the ones he needed.....You trusted Nick to them..." Wow! Thank you, Lord, for this opportunity to be Nick's mom.


You really lifted my spirits!




Because of Nick's battle, I have become a little more active in several brain tumor groups online. This has been eye-opening especially in the past week. Many children are having recurrences in their tumors right now. I don't know why. I say that only to say that there are families all across the world who need your prayers right now. Also, several families are grieving through the holidays from recent losses, so I ask you to pray for them as well.




Today, my burden is heavy for these kids. And I especially wanted to mention both Nick and Natalie (remember Natalie from the Jericho Walk in August). Her family just learned that her tumor is growing in her brain stem and the only option open to them at this time is an experimental drug. Like us, they need a miracle.I have talked with Natalie's mom via email, and they ask for all of your prayers as do we.





Nick continues to amaze us with his ability to make us laugh. In most ways he is the same old Nick we all know and love. His head definitely shows the difference between him and other children, but we have adjusted to this reality and we are thankful for Nick's favorite hat which you have all seen in pictures. He just keeps it nearby in case people stop by and then simply slides it on as needed. He never complains. He never questions. He truly blows me away!




I have been burdened with one aspect of prayer that has meant so much to me through the years, and I guess my challenge today is for all of you to consider reading the article below and then joining me in prayer combined with fasting. I say this not because I believe that fasting in and of itself will cause God to feel pressure to heal Nick or Natalie or any of these other kids. I say this because I believe that when we take time to fast while praying, our hearts show a commitment to prayer that draws us closer to Him in many ways......and ultimately, my prayer is that Nick and Natalie's lives will have eternal impacts on so many lives!



Seeing your child suffer is very hard, but seeing them suffer for no reason is even harder.




Knowing that through their suffering and ours any of you who read these emails will become a stronger Christian, a more active part of God's Kingdom, less negative, more positive, more full of joy, more content, more thankful, more gentle and kind, and the list goes on and on..........makes my heart smile.




So with that "out there," I am asking you to read through some of this research article on fasting and see if you might consider joining me in Friday Fasts for Nick and Natalie. Maybe all-day fasting doesn't work for you medically. If that is the case, then consider fasting one meal. Whatever you can do, just remember that in place of the time of eating or whenever you have thoughts of hunger simply whisper prayers of healing for our children. Of course, this is a great time to pray for all of your other concerns as well and to thank God for the miracles He gives us every day. Nick and Natalie are both already miracles in many, many ways. So we thank God for their lives! As parents, though, we continue to pray for God's healing hand to touch them in a mighty way. And we know that He is able.





Here is the article: http://www.new-life.net/fasting.htm



Joel 2:11-15


11 The LORD thunders at the head of his army; his forces are beyond number, and mighty are those who obey his command. The day of the LORD is great; it is dreadful. Who can endure it?
Rend Your Heart
12 "Even now," declares the LORD, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning."
13 Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.
14 Who knows? He may turn and have pity and leave behind a blessing—grain offerings and drink offerings for the LORD your God.
15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly.

Calling All of You to a Sacred Assembly!



I am thankful for all of you!


Have a wonderful day!


Keep Looking Up!