Tuesday, August 26, 2008

birthday eve

Nancy often practiced selfless joy. So, during her "summer rebound," she found ways to serve others. When Josh and Anne did her the honor of naming their next baby, she read through Bible stories making a list of possible choices until she settled on Micah.



She also devoted herself to finding just the right baby gift. Having decided on a dual stroller to convey both Micah and Lucia she looked at every stroller posted on the Internet, considering size, portability and accessories before choosing. We assured her that her decision was perfect when she told the kids that if they didn't like it they could exchange it for another model.



Many folks have been praying that Nancy would see Micah before she went home. That was certainly her life goal throughout June and July. She always brightened at the prospect of his birth. But when she began this recent decline, she told me that she was sure Micah would be okay whether she saw him or not. Over the last week, we have all let her know that we are ready for Jesus to take her, that we understand if she is home before Micah arrives. Peace followed that surrender.



Now, however, we are wondering if that goal will be reached after all. Anne's C-Section is set for 10:30 tomorrow morning. 22 hours from now as I type. According to Nancy's hospice nurse she is stable and could remain so for days.

Of course she could fail today. It is in HIS hands. Pray for HIS will to be done.

8 comments:

Cindy Nore said...

Dear Dan, Nancy, and family - I am really praying that Nancy would be able to know that Micah is here safely before she goes Home, though I suspect and hope that even if Nancy is Home when Micah arrives, somehow she will know from her vantage point there too. I know the mix of emotions must be exhausting right now as you prepare for Nancy to leave her earthly home and prepare for Micah to enter his, and your family is hourly in my prayers. I pray that Nancy will be pain free and peaceful until the minute Jesus comes to take her home.

In a hope that this will offer encouragement as you think of Nancy going Home, I wanted to tell you what happened when my daughter Jess went to Heaven. Within seconds of the accident she was in, a wonderful Christian woman named Robin arrived at the van. As she knelt down to see if she could help Jess, she clearly "heard" God tell her in her heart these words: "You can go; she's not here. I've already taken her, I have her." Robin then ran to the other side of the van to help a girl named Emily, who did survive the crash. Only a Father as compassionate as ours could have sent just the right person to give me the assurance that God Himself came to "take" Jessica, and I know He will escort Nancy into her eternal Home when the timing is perfect. With much love - Cindy

Rob and Mary said...

Prayers continue to be ceaseless for your family.
We know that Jesus is with you holding your hand through this suffering.
I know that Jesus is weeping with us as He did seeing Lazurus family in grief.

Rob Blake

Anonymous said...

Nancy and Dan—
Thinking of you and praying for you often during these difficult days, and trusting that the presence of the God of all comfort will be your portion. The following hymn is one that the Lord used many times to speak His peace to my soul as I struggled following the sudden loss of my first husband. May it encourage you, as well.

All the way my Savior leads me;
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my Guide?
Heav'nly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate'er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well,
For I know, whate'er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Savior leads me,
Cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for every trial,
Feeds me with the living bread.
Though my weary steps may falter,
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! a spring of joy I see,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! a spring of joy I see.

All the way my Savior leads me;
Oh, the fullness of His grace!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father's blest embrace.
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day,
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way,
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way.
(F. Crosby)

Love, Susan

Debby GW said...

I am so thankful that you continue to allow us to be able to pray more clearly with your posts. With Prayers and Love Debby

Mom said...

Dear Dan.. so glad for you to have Nancy still.. we're away from home .. Johnny and I are groaning for you both..

Love,
Becky and Johnny in York, England

Anonymous said...

I know Mum waited for me to get back into Ireland. And I pray Nancy will know that Micah has arrived safely. You are all in my thought and prayers. With much love, Irene

Irene Maguire

Anonymous said...

I agree in prayer with Irene and the family of God praying for your family today.

HappyAndersons said...

I'd love to be there today, to give hugs and love on Nancy and the family. I'm praying for you all.

- Andrea