Monday, March 17, 2008

Miracle Monday



Wow, another "first" for me in blogland! I'm so excited to be participating in "Miracle Monday." I've seen GOD do some AMAZING things, but what I'm about to share with you is by far the GREATEST!

See, just days before our 11 year old son went HOME to be with JESUS, he began having conversations with GOD. No, I don't mean "praying" (he did lots of that too) I mean we could tell that GOD (in whatever form HE revealed HIMSELF to Brent) was talking back. (Isn't that the way prayer is SUPPOSED to work? It's usually "one-sided" on my part... I chatter away and then it's like... "In JESUS Name, Amen."

The reason I say that this wasn't prayer was because of the way it happened. See, Brent didn't know he was dying. We STOOD on GOD'S WORD and BELIEVED that Brent WOULD BE HEALED. We KNEW HE would, we just didn't know if it'd be here on earth, or in HEAVEN. Brent accepted Christ as his Savior on Easter Sunday at the age of 8. We KNEW that JESUS would have Brent no matter what and we didn't see any point in worrying our little man over something so scary.

Well, GOD did just as any loving father would do. HE spent time with HIS son and prepared him for what was to come. The first time we heard anything of that nature from Brent was when he said, "It's PERFECT, LORD, I LOVE IT!"

Another time....

"LORD, please let me look... can I look, LORD?" Later that same day, "Lord, I'm sorry I tried to look.. I just wanted to see YOU."


As his time on earth was coming to an end we heard, "It won't be long now, will it, LORD?" (He waited and listened for a response then said) "I knew it, I knew it wouldn't be long now."





Yes, I've heard of people talking with the LORD before they pass... but I'd never witnessed it for myself. We saw and heard enough to bring our hearts peace with "letting him go."


Do we serve an AMAZING GOD or WHAT??? Friends, I know this might all sound discouraging, but watching our son interact with his CREATOR was the GREATEST MIRACLE (AND BLESSING) of all time! I'd like to invite you to read all about his last days. (It's truly miraculous - and so AMAZING) If you'd like you can visit his caringbridge history by clicking here. You'll want to start reading around December 18, 2006. You can read more current family updates on the main page. caringbridge.org/ms/brentnason


You can read more on this "Miracle Monday" by visiting Beth at "A Mom's Life."

I'd like to end today by asking for prayer for another family that recently lost their baby. You can visit the Oswalt family blog here, or you can visit their son Carter's caringbridge site. THANKS SO MUCH for your prayers!



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WHOOPS! How can I forget??? Today is my first day "sporting" my new blog design. I'd like to thank Jennisa for doing a FANTASTIC job! I think it's just BEAUTIFUL!! I'm BEYOND BLESSED and am SO THANKFUL for the way it turned out. You can find her at jennisajoy.blogspot.com

THANKS AGAIN, Jennisa!

23 comments:

Pamela (His maidservant) said...

Tonya-I came here from "Aroma of Joy" and my heart just melted for your pain and it reminded me of the scripture I read this morning in Psalm 31:7-8 "I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love,
for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul. You have not handed me over to my enemies but have set me in a safe place". God has indeed set you in a safe place of His love and grace. As a nurse I can confirm the presence of the heavenly at end of life. I have witness so much of this and found each experience to be a blessing!! Your son was a miracle from God and how blessed you are to be his chosen his mother, if only for a short time here on earth but for eternity in heaven!! God bless!
In His Graces~Pamela

Kim@Seasons of My Heart said...

Tonya~
You ALWAYS touch my heart..everytime I come to your blog!!!!!

Thank-you...for sharing this AMAZING miracle!!!

Bless your SWEET heart today.

Kim~

Beth Cotell said...

Tonya,

What a beautiful miracle you have shared today! I can only imagine how hard it was to lose your son, but I know you must have felt peace when you heard him actually having a conversation with the Lord. Amazing!

And how precious that your son was trying to sneak a peak at God! I just love that! Now he can spend eternity gazing on God and all His glory!

Thank you so much for participating in Miracle Monday this week!

Beth

PS - Jennisa redesigned my blog too! She does great work, doesn't she?

Anonymous said...

Love the new look! It was funny...I got a notice that you'd updated your site last night but there weren't any words...was wondering what that was all about.
Reading about Brent brought tears to my eyes as always. It truly was an amazing miracle and your family must have been in awe watching it. The Lord is so good! A perfect "miracle" for miracle Monday! Thanks so much for sharing this!

Susan said...

OK Tonya,

WHAT'S THE DEAL? You keep finding new Memes! You started blogging after me and now I'm having trouble keeping up with YOU!!

And your blog is WONDERFUL, I can't say how much I love it.

Now, on a serious note.

Tonya, I'm so glad you are sharing this miraculous testimony with everyone. I remember those conversations, and in my whole life, I've never EVER heard a testimony like this before.

I've known lots of very strong Christians who went to be with Jesus, but nothing like this has ever occurred. I still get goose bumps when I read or think about those days.

God truly honored your heart's desire, He honored your GREAT faith, and I know He was so pleased Tonya. You were obedient till the very end, or should I say to the NEW BEGINNING of Brent's REAL life.

Blessings to you my wonderful friend!

Susan♥

Rebekah said...

Oh Tonya - I have to say I got goose bumps all over my body and felt the hair rise on the back of my neck when reading about Brent's amazing talks with The Lord ... what a miracle your boy is ... the strength he had - I know you are but I will say it anyway ... you should be SO Proud of him! Thank you so much for sharing such a beautiful story during the hardest time of your lives ... May God continue to hold you close ...

God Bless!

Rebekah and Jaden TOO!

elizabeth embracing life said...

I am a new reader and am so glad to have found you. Your story of your son is both a miracle and a testament to your strength in Christ Jesus! I have four sons and daughter and could not imagine the pain of watching them leave this earth. You are an amazing mother.

Denise said...

Thanks for sharing this precious miracle sweetie. God was definitely taking care of your son, they are now walking together in heaven.

Andrea @ Mommy Snacks.net said...

Tonya - I know I already told you this on the other post (Then Sings My Soul), but you are an inspiration.

I've read some of Brent's story and it is very emotional. The loss of your baby (because I know they always stay our babes) has turned into a wonderful testimony! As a mother, I hope I am doing all the right things to help my children have a personal relationship with God, just like you did with your angel, Brent!

And, I love your new page layout!

Angie @ KEEP BELIEVING said...

Wow. My husband suffers from a brain tumor right now, so I am vaguely familiar with neuroblastoma - VAGUELY.

Thank you for sharing this story of hope. My biggest struggle in this life is putting my money where my mouth is regarding my faith in eternity. I know this is all for eternity, but to see glimpses of it through your son. Honestly, I tell you this through heartfelt tears right now, it makes sense and it is part of that proof I wish I could have witnessed Jesus performing himself when He walked this earth. Thank you again. You helped me in a great way today - a day I happen to be struggling.

KEEP BELIEVING

Kelley said...

WOW! What an awesome makeover! Of course I really liked your other look too but this is so very COOL!!! I probably should think about getting something done (to my blog that is, LoL).

What an amazing and uplifting testimony you have to share. I just read what you write and my eyes fill with tears and my heart is filled with both pain and joy. Thank you for sharing your heart, I can't imagine that it is easy but you have to know how much it means to people.

Take care girlfriend, you ROCK!

Kelley

Laski said...

I read your touching comment at Keep Believing. After reading your story, my heart aches. But, I see that you have found strength in the best place . . . God bless.

Stephanie said...

Hi Tonya,
I love the new look of your blog-so beautiful!

The story of Brent's conversations with our Creator always comforts me. I think I have told you how much it means to me that you shared that story. Now others can be touched by it as well.
Love You,
Stephanie

Tracy Berta-daughter to the King, wife, mother, speaker, writer said...

Tonya,
What a beautiful testimony- thank you for sharing. I have an 11 yr. old son, Andrew.

I was very blessed visiting your blog. How good God is to bring believing woman together for encouragement and refreshment.

Blessings!
Tracy- Thirsty for Him

Reba said...

I love the new blog look...very chic! Those memories of Brent, though I have read them before, just make my heart stop. What an amazing God we serve!
Reba

Mary Lou said...

I just found your site. I have been blessed by what i have read. God is using you and your family in a mighty way. May He speak peace to your heart today, may you feel the comfort of His arms around you today. Blessings

Maude Lynn said...

What a tremendous blessing in the midst of loss!

Amy said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your son, I can only imagine how much you have suffered. I am truly amazed by your strenghth and faith.

Thanks for sharing you story. You are an inspiration to me.

eph2810 said...

Tonya - your spirit is just so sweet. I love how encourage others to turn to the Lord in their time of need. I know that this must be hard for you think of your son. But I start to see why you are sharing this - the hope that can be found only in our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Thank you so much for sharing your heart.

Blessings to you and yours!

Shari said...

Oh Tonya - what a beautiful miracle that you got to witness. I've never heard of someone actually interacting with the Lord before. That is just wonderful. Brent is still being used by God to strengthen the Christian faith of others.

Tea with Tiffany said...

Tonya,

Thank you for this heartfelt post. What a privilege to get an inside look on your son's life. I am in awe of God's goodness. He made sure your son was comforted. And He allowed you to experience this. WOW!

And again I am sorry about your loss. I can't imagine.

I always think about my baby brother when I read about childhood cancer stories. Watching him left an imprint on my heart. More like a scar.

Blessedw5mom said...

I found your blog through Thankful Thursday, but did not read much of it till today ... today after we returned home from the funeral of a 3 year old (AnnaMeg) who had neuroblastoma till God called her home last week. Maybe she is up there praising God along side your Brent. Thank you so much for your blog!

Blessedw5mom said...

Oh, forgot to leave the site where you can read my post about Anna and link to her caringbridge site ... Look at the end of ths post:

http://ourtravelswithkids.blogspot.com/search/label/Anna