Tonight, as Linnea and I walked around the block with the dog, we decided to look for ways God had prepared our family for the crisis we’re now experiencing. Listed below are our seven children, each one brought close to their ailing father by a sudden change of circumstances only God could have orchestrated.
Nelson: He felt strongly God wanted him to sell his Nashville landscaping business last June. When the season was at its peak, he asked the Lord to bring a buyer. A friend of a friend who already had a landscaping business mentioned he’d like to expand. Word got back to Nelson and within a week they’d struck a deal. He wasn’t sure what God wanted him to do next when the news of pancreatic cancer came, and Nelson drove home. Two days ago he said, “Please know the two of you will never be alone throughout this whole ordeal. I’m here, and that’s that.”
Lars: He’s been based in California since first becoming a student at Azusa Pacific University in 1994, 15 years ago. Recently, his boss at Matrix offered him a job transfer from San Diego to Schaumburg, IL. He was weighing the decision when the news of his father’s cancer arrived. He took the new position, and within 72 hours was moving to Illinois, 90 miles from us instead of 2000 miles.
Linnea: Having taught high school English in Ocala, FL, since she and Adam married six years ago, her job was tenured and secure. After taking a year’s leave of absence when Skylar was born last year, she had to return to teaching this fall or lose tenure. Eventually she signed the contract to begin in August. In the weeks between signing and starting, she learned she was pregnant with baby #2 and let her job go. When the cancer news arrived, she was free to come to Michigan to stay indefinitely.
Klaus: He was based in Nashville, working in the volatile music business. When his assignment came to a sudden end in early September, he wasn’t sure what was next. He found a job in sales, his expertise, and is working in Chicago, two hours from us rather than eight hours away in Tennessee.
Hans: He and his British wife Katy live with baby Nicholas in England. Although he has been aching to come home to be near his dad, he’s been blocked by passport and visa complications. This story is too spectacular to squeeze into one paragraph so will be the subject of tomorrow’s blog.
Louisa: She lived through two very difficult years after high school, then chose to spend six months out of the country with Youth With A Mission. She returned a changed girl, devoted to the Lord and strengthened to bear what was about to rock her world, a father with terminal cancer.
Birgitta: She visited Nashville with the intent of pursuing her love of singing in the music capital of our nation. Her desire was to rent an apartment, take a job and sing/write songs in her off hours. But Louisa persuaded her to stay in Chicago and be her roommate. In the end, the girls rented an apartment together in Wicker Park in one of their Uncle Bervin’s buildings, got jobs within walking distance, and are located one hour from our Michigan home.
As Linnea and I walked tonight, we ran out of block before we ran out of blessings. Only God could have plucked all seven of our children from jobs and homes scattered far and wide and brought them together exactly ahead of our cancer news. But here we are, weathering the storm, all in one place, all at the same time.
“God himself has prepared us for this.” (2 Corinthians 5:5a)
Wow it’s AMAZING how God works!
It’s Awesome how great God is!!
WOW! I didn’t know that Lars & Klaus were back in the area! I cried when I read that — God is so awesome! I had thought it was a good thing the girls ended up not moving to Nashville. Can’t wait to read about Hans/Katy/Nicholas in your next blog!
Love you all & praying on this end!
What a wonderful testimony to the power and goodness of our Lord! I appreciated reading the updates on your family. I am praying daily for you.
Margret, how very sorry I am for your family. I know first hand how it affects you loved ones when this kind of news is poured upon you. I’ve been through this know a little bit about how Nate is feeling being a man and the one who is suppose to be strong to his family. The Lord at this time is the only one who is really strong and knows what each on of you are feeling and exactly what your needs will be, and He along can and will meet those needs. All that he asks is that we go to him in our lowest point and to cry out to Him. Even if it is anger or questions. He understands all of that. He knows that we are human and really that is the way that he created us, to have each of those emotions. The point is, what do we do with those emotions. How do we respond to Him. Please know, your friends are here to support you in prayer, but He is there to carry you through. Love Dave
I’ve thought about those circumstances often since the news hit. You didn’t mention ‘Margaret Nyman’ though. Starting a blog entitled “Gettingthroughthis.com” months ago is staggering when you think about it. “Mysterious Ways” indeed.
I love to watch God’s hands orchestrate the repositioning of lives in preparation for their next season in life. You have countless blessings of friends and family supporting you like a heavy net that will not break. We hope Nate will not give up and give in to the diagnosis, but instead believe he can be in one of those maricles which God has produced in other lives. I know all of you must face the possible reality of its finality but only with the hope that he will be a long living testimony of God’s hand of mercy.
As I continue to pray for you and your family each day, I am amazed at your testimony of how God is upholding you each step of the way and causing you to rejoice in His blessings even when His hand of providence is hard. May He use your faithfulness to encourage others along the way. Love to you all.
God will surly give you the strength to getting through this. You remind me so much of your dear mother,who was a fantastic and strong woman,my heroin and role model. We’ll all behind you,praying.
What an amazing testimony of how our God is in complete control of all things,all times! May God richly bless your time spent together as a family. We continue to pray for you and your family every day, and marvel at how amazing God’s love is!
You and your family are daily in my prayers. ONLY God could have orchestrated all of this. Blessings, my friend…
May HE continue to be your strength.
Loved hearing about singing in the bedroom! Remember, we hum to Him in the bedroom, but God Himself sings over us with shouts of joy in the heavens. Zeph 3:17 What a beautiful account of what God is doning in the lives of the kids as well through this. Remember, from Isa 63, In all our distresses, He too is distressed. In His love and mercy He lifts us up and carries us all of our days. May He continue to “divide the waters” before you to gain for Himself everlasting renown. Love and Blessings on all, MJ
Loved hearing about singing in the bedroom! Remember, we hum to Him in the bedroom, but God Himself sings over us with shouts of joy in the heavens. Zeph 3:17 What a beautiful account of what God is doing in the lives of the kids as well through this. Remember, from Isa 63, In all our distresses, He too is distressed. In His love and mercy He lifts us up and carries us all of our days. May He continue to “divide the waters” before you to gain for Himself everlasting renown. Love and Blessings on all, MJ
What a blessing it is to watch the Lord weave our lives together in His tapestry of Love. In the spirit..it is completed; in the natural…we walk it out….whatever the outcome …He has truly blessed you – all – in wisdom, the joy in knowing HIM and sharing that; and while preparing each one of you for the future….He holds each one in the palm of His hand…kisses you ‘good morning’ and hugs you ‘goodnight’….may His peace be with you presently….enjoy Him.
Still praying for that manifested miracle…..love and blessings, Patzian