Because He Lives




	WRITE 2 THE HEART Stories that are aimed "Write 2 the Heart" April 17, 2002 Issue 041702 Cheryl Speir, Editor, moderator@write2theheart.com ----------------------------------------------------------- By subscription only! Welcome to your latest issue of "Write 2 the Heart" ------------------------------------------------------------- Do you have a heart-warming story to share? We are accepting story submissions at this time. Please e-mail your original story to moderator@write2theheart.com ------------------------------------------------------------- Last week I overlooked Michelle's information. She is a single mother of two beautiful children, Samantha and Nicholas. She has created a line of 100 inspirational bookmarks to date called "Sam-n-Nick's Inspirations" after her children. She is presently in the process of creating a website for these. Michelle C. Ustaszeski can be contacted at <mcu @ qad.com>. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Sue first shared this heart-touching story with the Christian Writers Group we both belong to back in September. It touched my heart. Having lost a sister to Spina Bifida, I understand the seriousness of the condition. ------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------- Because He Lives By Sue Nickel -------------------------------------------------------------- Because He LIVES. Because He lives I can face tomorrow Because He lives all fear is gone Because I know who holds the future Then life is worth the living just because He lives Gloria and William J. Gaither. ©1971 When my daughter Jennifer was 8 years old she had major surgery on her back. Her back reopened 10 days later and feces contaminated her spine. I was told she would not live through the night. She did live, not only through the night but is still living 19 years later. Six months after her surgery she drew a picture of herself going up the stairs to heaven. I gasped and asked her why she wanted to go to heaven. Her reply was that she was going there to sit on God's lap and pray. I asked her what heaven looked like and she described beauty I could not imagine. She then said matter-of-factly in her eight year old voice, "I know what Jesus' favorite song is." I asked her what, thinking she really didn't know. She said, "Because He lives." I asked her who told her this. She then said without a single breath in between, "His angels." She then asked, "Do you know what my favorite verse is?" My reply was no. Then she began singing in her beautiful angelic voice, "How sweet to hold a newborn baby and feel the love and joy he gives". I cut her off and asked is that because you love babies? She said, "No mommy, listen." Then she sang, "But greater still the calm assurance this child can face uncertain days Because He Lives." I sat slowly in my chair with tears in my eyes and asked her when she had experienced uncertain days. She boldly told me when she had surgeries the days were uncertain. As tears streamed down my face I realized for the first time just how much God had held our hands. I was told recently by a mother with a child born with Down's syndrome that the reason this is Jesus' favorite song is because when the enemy hears it he shutters and shakes and goes into confusion. Remember the wall of Jericho was brought down by Praise and Worship (Excerpt from the book "Missed Blessings" by Sue Steen Nickel printed with permission by the author 4-2002) Sue Steen Nickel Victoryonthethirdday @ cox.net (You are encouraged to write to the authors to let them know what you think of their story, just remember to remove the space before and after the @ symbol. The space is placed in the address to protect our writers from viruses.) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Jennifer Farrell is now 27 years old and loves the Lord with all of her heart. She has undergone 31 major surgeries. She sings professional both gospel and country music. We are hoping that she will cut her first album this year. Sue Steen Nickel is a writer, and much sought after motivational speaker, teacher, senior pastor and a daughter of God. She resides at the western gate of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma with her husband Paul. Together they have 5 children and 9 grandchildren. They spend their time ministering to others on how to overcome difficult obstacles that life brings. They also minister to couples on keeping your marriage alive in difficult circumstances. ----------------------------------------------------------------- The book "Missed Blessings" is a dynamic book of how Sue and her daughter sought God at every turn in life while living with the devastating birth defect Spina Bifida. They have chosen to take the lemons in life and make a wonderful lemonade. You will cry with them and then laugh with them as they climb mountain after mountain and finding God's grace every time. To order the book "Missed Blessings" contact Sue at victoryonthethirdday @ cox.net or 405-789-7056 or Send check or money order for $10.00 plus $2.00 Shipping and Handling to: Victory on the Third Day Ministries P O Box 271675 Oklahoma City, Ok 73137-1675 ------------------------------------------------------------------ Letters From Our Readers Thanks for you words of encouragement, sometimes I need to be reminded that God can use me as I am. Kate Welcome Michelle, at a time when we are looking forward to Mother's and Father's Day, a good reminder of our loved ones. Jill ---------------------------------------------------------------- Cheryl's Corner Yesterday was my husband David's birthday. Someone had sent me a recipe for a Heavenly Fudge Pie. I made that instead of a cake. Can you imagine anything better than chocolate and cream cheese in an Oreo crust with Cool Whip on top? This recipe is definitely a keeper! Along with the husband I might add. God Bless Cheryl ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- © 2002 Write 2 the Heart Nothing may be reproduced or published without the written permission of the individual author or copyright owner. All rights belong to the authors. --------------------------------------------------------------- All subscriptions sent to your e-mail free of charge.