My Heart... His Words

Monday, April 7, 2008

Overwhelmed withThanksgiving

I don't think I can write about anything more pressing on my mind than what happened in my family's life on Friday night.

For those who don't know, our youngest son has cancer. Just typing that is painful. However, I have learned in the past nearly 6 years of living with this reality that God is bigger than anything.....even cancer. He has proven time and time again that He can bring good out of the most difficult situations, and Friday night will always stand out as one of those "good" memories that never would have happened without the ugliness of the illness Nick faces every day.

Several months ago, a couple of young ladies from our church decided to have a celebration night for Nick and were able to have April 4, 2008, declared "Nick Nischan Day" in our small town in Kentucky. Shirts were made and commercials were played on the radio, in the newspaper, and on our local TV channel.

Friday night as I entered the church with Nick, I had no idea how amazing the evening was going to be!

On top of being supported by at least 200 prayer warriors, we shared an evening of praise and worship that literally reminded me of how awesome Heaven is going to be!! Kentucky Christian University students led worship followed by University of Kentucky students in concert! I didn't want the singing and praising to end.

And that's not all..........Nick was totally surprised when, after watching a short video clip from Mike Furrey (wide receiver with the Detroit Lions) and his wife telling Nick that they wished they could be there to support him, Mike Furrey actually walked onto the stage from a side door! It was amazing!!!!!!!!! Mike spoke to everyone about his and Nick's favorite verse Joshua 1:9, and he spoke directly to Nick about how Nick has become his hero. Through tears, Mike shared that because of Nick's bravery and ability to stay positive in spite of his cancer, he has personally became a more committed Christian and a more determined role model who wants nothing more than to use his position as an NFL player to share Jesus with the world.

Wow!

It is difficult in some ways to step down from this memory and simply keep pressing on. I want to sit and savor the feelings from Friday night forever. But the reality of what is ahead of me keeps me pushing onward. Nick has an MRI on Thursday, and until then, we must keep focused on all of Nick's medicines, treatments, etc.

I am reminded of Paul's words to "press on toward the prize...." and that is what keeps me going. I know it is what keeps Nick going too!

I am so thankful for everyone who had a part in Friday night! And I just want to say to anyone who reads my blog..................THERE IS NOTHING YOU WILL FACE IN THIS LIFE THAT IS BIGGER THAN WHAT GOD CAN HANDLE! And when we allow God to handle things, He has a way of transforming them into beautiful memories!

My prayer for you today is that you will let go of whatever is holding you back, and step forward in God's loving arms! He wants to carry you through it all!

Labels: cancer, faith, love, Mike Furrey, NFL, thankful

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Thumbs up!

This picture was sent to me all the way from Hungary where my dear friend Donnette's daughter is doing a one-year internship with her husband David. This picture is actually Deborah and her brother-in-law, Aaron. They are showing their love, support, and prayers for Nick all the way from the other side of the world!

This journey with Nick as had so many moments just like this one. Times when God reminded me that we are not fighting this battle alone. To see more about Nick's story, you can go to his website, www.nick7-11.zoomshare.com, and see many, many amazing pictures of God's people showing their love to Nick.

Be sure to look for the picture of the cloud my mother saw while driving to our house to begin Nick's radiation! It is a perfect thumbs up! Also, look for Sarah's ultrasound picture where her new little baby sends an amazing thumbs up from within the womb!

This list goes on and on.........

God is with us. For tonight, that's all I need to know. Living with a child who has cancer is not always easy, but living with a God who promises to meet our every need is ALWAYS EASY!

I hope that you live a life with God right in the middle of it! If not, please email me. I want to help you find your way to Him! In the end, that's ALL that matters!!!!!!!!!

Labels: love, Nick, prayers, thumbs up, worldwide

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

The Beauty of Snow....the Beauty of You!!

What is it about snow-covered hills dotted with evergreens that are drooping under the weight of heavy white branches? I often look at nature after a snow and am amazed at the pure beauty, the innocence of snow not yet trod by any footprints. I love to see a bird hopping from tree to tree in search of food after a night of snowfall. The simple trust of a bird....she doesn't seem to be fretting as she hops and looks. She actually seems quite certain that eventually she will find just what she needs! And the roads! I love our road before any tires have reminded me that life must go on as usual.....I love when I know that everyone is tucked away in their homes, safe and snug, warm and toasty!

I'm not sure what my favorite part of a snowy morning is, but I do know that our Creator knew just what He was doing when He created all four seasons! What fun He must have had coming up with such a great plan! I can just hear the angels as He shared with them His idea about snow! White innocence falling from the sky, stopping major cities in their tracks, making the most driven of men somewhat immobilized, causing children to have a chance to sleep in and then spend the afternoon riding on sleds!

I love snow! It reminds me that Perfection did once come to this earth. It also reminds me that sin made perfection impossible for all of us. We dirty up the most beautiful of snows with not only our footprints and tires but also with our actions and tongues. The good news is that new snow falls from the sky every year bringing the promise of Perfection back to earth!

As God's people, we must do all we can to show people how they can have a relationship with the Creator of this beautiful snow. We must show them how they can be made white and clean again through the blood of Jesus Christ!

The next time you get to experience a beautiful snowfall I hope you will think of God and His love for you! As beautiful as a snow-covered lawn may be, you are much more beautiful in the eyes of your Creator! He knew you before you were born! Psalm 139 Isn't that great! And I'll bet the angels loved hearing all about God's plans for you too! Have a happy Valentine's Day! You are loved!

Labels: Christian, love, snow