Our Final Celebration

On December 5th, I witnessed the most magnificent pink sunset. It is amazing how our Sovereign God provides comfort right when we need it. This is Alissa again, Nicole’s sister. Nicole’s breath had been shallow all day, I knew her time was coming to meet our Father face to face. I was cooking dinner and God told me, go outside. Take a picture. Heaven is opening. 30 minutes later, He told me to look up and take another photo. The sky was beautiful.  I mean, we have amazing sunsets at our cabin; but I have never witnessed the sky the way I saw it on December 5th at a little past 5pm. When I captured the last photo, our Lord told me “she’s’ home”. My heart sank. The reality hit. It hurt. But I rejoiced as He welcomed her with open arms.

I knew she danced in with arms raised to the Lord on His throne, wearing those pink sunglasses. She was healed. She had been waiting and she was ready. When Nicole started this journey, I knew she would fight. I knew she would find comfort in our Father. I knew her relationship would grow more than it ever had before. She knew God was leading her in a storm, holding her hand with a purpose. She was not afraid.

This past March after another tumor was found, I texted her Romans 16:20, “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. ” She sent me the message back, “He will finish what He has already started. ” She knew the outcome of this journey may be different than complete healing here on earth.  She never complained. She never let  Satan deter her from what God’s purpose was for her. She fought each day with a “No not today, Satan” attitude.

Because as believers we are identified in Christ, we have crushed all the wicked strategies, schemes, and temptations. Nothing can prevail against the Lord and His anointed.  For it says in 1 John 4:4, “You are from God, little children, and have overcome them because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.“ 

Christ’s death and glorious resurrection was a pivotal point in history when all who believe in God’s only Son became overcomers. All who believed in Him would become His children and be covered in our Father’s righteousness. Faith is the key token to being an overcomer. It is by faith we are saved. We do not have to do anything to overcome. Christ did it already on the cross for us! As believers, we are sojourners in the world. We are ambassadors to heaven. We are passing through a world full of sin en route to our eternal home.

This is the reason I rejoice because Nicole is a child of God and she has overcome the enemy of her soul through her faith in Jesus. Greater is the Holy Spirit that dwells in us and empowers us with His grace and sufficient strength. Our Father has defeated the enemy of our soul, who is in the world. The sin filled world that the enemy feasts off of wants so much of us ALL the TIME. He is knocking at our door with all different tactics. I can’t say, I would have responded the way Nicole did.

Nicole’s celebration of life was such a reflection time for me. I am sure it was for some of you too. I’ve thought a lot about God’s purpose and plan for me. Am I listening? I mean, am I? or am I content? Maybe my ears are half-open? Am I praying, “Lord, send me? Sign me up, I am ready”!!?? Nicole knew her purpose. She never let anything get in the way. She had plenty of chances to deter God’s mission and take a different route. When others thought she should focus on resting. She put on her running shoes. When people mentioned her not teaching, she invested more time in the kids. Her mission was clear whether anyone else saw it. She did. She never walked. She never stumbled. She finished the race strong right to our eternal home.

Nicole’s obituary provided by the funeral home also was very uplifting. You can review it at https://www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/memorialpage.asp?id=57540&locid=56.

If you have not watched Nicole’s celebration, I encourage you to watch it. You are in for a treat! There were about 1,400 who watched the live stream and about 500 in person at the church. The slide show video below contains some of the videos and pictures of Nicole’s life and were shown at the funeral and the reviewal. The funeral video is a recording of the funeral celebration. If you missed either, these are both worth watching.

Here is the funeral video link: https://youtu.be/sYmi3for4OU

Here is the slide show video link: https://youtu.be/znOpYJ87v1o

Recently, Representative French Hill of Arkansas provided a tribute to our Hope Warrior on the House Of Representatives floor. You can watch this tribute at this link: https://youtu.be/YUaVWPMsay0

It was a very uplifting message. It brought me to tears as words were said from Scott, Garrett, Abbey, and Ashton. She was a remarkable lady. My sister. Terribly missed. Finally home. Forever healed. 

A few remarkable things happened these last few weeks. Nicole has been surrounded by such amazing friends and students. To see the Lord’s hands around her was pure joy and such comfort to her. On December 3rd, many adults and kids came to pray over Nicole. There were about 70 people all outside. Praying. What a beautiful picture. For it says in Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them. ”  Our father surrounded Nicole with His holy presence. What an act of worshiping our Lord and King, giving Him all the glory. Wow. The kids sang songs to her. What a treat for her as the students were serving her when she needed it. The kids she loved and adored. She found so much Joy in the sound of their sweet voices praising the Lord Almighty.

The reviewal was on December 9th. It was astounding to see what Nikki, Tammy, Scott’s mom, and my mother accomplished to get everything ready for her visitation. It was such a tribute with all the photos, videos, journals, and letters. There were so many people (over 2,000) all coming to support the family and people she impacted. It was remarkable.

Again, Thank you for reading Nicole’s blog. I so wish it was her writing and not me these past months. You have helped her along this journey home. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement.

Thank you to Nikki and Tami. Not sure how in the world she would have done anything without the both of you. You all have been welcoming to our family. And always full of smiles and laughter. I can see why she loves you all so much!

To Scott and Nicole’s first Bible Study group, you are truly a blessing. You have been through all the stages of life with them. Oh how Nicole cherished your friendships. She talked about it often. Thank you for loving her and Scott so much. Thank you for strengthening their relationship with Christ.

Prayer Requests: (These were the prayer requests Scott and the kids shared at the visitation).
Scott: Just finding my way forward. How do I spend my time, how do I fit in with all my married friends? And that I find the strength and intention to be the father my kids need.

Garrett: Pray for peace and that people will continue to be pointed to Christ through my mom.

Abbey and Ashton: Just getting back into the normal, learning how to be without her, and for peace.