Our Hope Is To Show You God's Love.

This letter was written over a year ago from a mother who's son was very sick. I am posting it to share God's love and encouragement with others. God is real and He heals the broken hearted. His love and faithfulness if all we have, are all we will ever need.

Most of you know my son Justin and his amazing life testimony of God’s love and faithfulness. God has used Justin in many ways to reach others and change lives. Justin is now 14 years old and has been off chemo therapy for about 8 months now. He is strong and continues with the help of his medications to grow. Although his tumors caused alot of permanent damage, we have learned that there is nothing in this world that can damage or destroy the love and faithfulness that God provides to each of us that accept it. I feel it nothing less than an honor to be the mother of this special child. This journey for each of us has been hard, but without traveling this road I know there is no way I would of ever surrendered my life to Christ, for this I am thankful. God continues to show the fullness of his love even though we are usually so undeserving of it. I have no complaints, but only praise to God for the intimate way He has blessed my life. May you find joy that is not of this world, through the love of God.


Justin today at 15 is a strong 6'2 young man. He loves God and has seen first hand his miracles. He knows what matters in life. Although Justin has been left with a thorn in his side, like the Apostle Paul, he knows God's plan for him is greater than any illness.












Keep the faith... Never stop believing.. God is real and He created you for something special. Your heart was made by Him, to love Him. Let Him fill your heart with His love. It is He that fills the hearts He created. There is nothing else in this world that takes His place. Let go and let God take you to a new place, a place where we find true love.

Make today your first day of true life. Accept Jesus into your heart.

We would love to send you a free bible if you have accepted Christ today. Send us an e-mail at livebyfaith@cox.net or leave us a comment below with your information.

If you live anywhere in the west valley, may we recommend an awesome church where you are sure to feel God's love and be comfortable at the same time. Palm Valley Church is awesome. You can visit their web site at www.palmvalley.org

Thanks For Showing Me How To Be Tough!!

I have been trying for two weeks now to get this story together. I wanted it to mean as much to others as it did to me when Margaret & Sarah shared it with me. Margaret was in tears as she told this story.

Recently when Sarah was admitted back into UMC with a mini stroke she was paid a visit by a very special person. Everybody meet Hector Cantua. Hector as you will learn is a huge Sarah fan, as so many of us are. Hector works at UMC and has often spent time with Sarah helping her with her work-outs. The day Hector met Sarah is the day his life changed forever.

When Hector came to visit Sarah, he came with a gift in hand. As Hector handed Sarah a shirt he told a very beautiful story about why & just how much that shirt meant to him.
Hector recently went to Spain and France to compete in bike races. During one of the races Hector was going down hill and he crashed his bike. During the crash Hector went across on-coming traffic and was nearly hit. As Hector lay on the ground he was very dazed and in alot of pain, but he said all he could think about was Sarah and all she had been through.
He said at that very moment he was so inspired by Sarah, he got up - got back on his bike and went on to finish the race.
When the race was over Hector was taken to the hospital. His injuries were many. He had bruised his shoulder, ribs, liver, lungs & pelvic and to top it off, Hector also had a concussion.
Hectors race did not end as he lay on the ground in pain. He was inspired to persevere and reminded through Sarah's story that he can and must go on. Hector left that hospital and went on to finish four more days of racing. He said Sarah is his hero.

As we walk the journey of life, ALL of us Will come upon a mountain. Sarah's pure & innocent life seems to have a mountain around every corner. Why should we think we are any different. Let us learn from her journey, God does not always remove the mountain but always cares for us as he teaches us to climb.. May each of us climb with the beauty and strength as Sarah does. May we also make God smile as He uses us to help others conquer their mountains, just as Sarah helped Hector conquer his.

The shirt... Hector wore it as he finished his race. He signed it - Sarah, thanks for showing me how to be tough. Hector also had everyone else in the hospital who knows and loves Sarah sign it as well.

When Hector was asked to share this story he was more than happy to pass on a little bit of the love Sarah has brought him.

Thanks Hector, for caring enough to help inspire us to climb.

Tell The World..

8/10/07
Jesus Heals! Sarah was able to WALK today with the help of a cane.She is literally a WALKING miracle!This was done much to the amazement of the head of physical therapy at UMC Tucson. HOWEVER...this was no surprise to her trainer Rob - he knew she could do it all along!Sarah told Rob she would be walking in two weeks - it's been two weeks.Sarah said what she meant and meant what she said.Way to go SARAH! Everyone is so proud of you!

To read about how Sarah was doing 30 days ago, click here.
To read about how Sarah was doing 60 days ago, click here.

Sarah has been in the hospital for three months as of today.

Luke 1:37For nothing is impossible with God.

Jammin Out In ICU

08/04/07

Sarah's sister Amber came to visit over the weekend - Amber ALWAYS makes Sarah smile...
The girls were having such a great time that Larry and Margaret decided to go to the cafeteria for a few seconds...
When they came back the music was BLARING from Sarah's room....... (yes - her room in ICU) those girls were jamming out to their music! Having a blast! It was a beautiful sight to see them laughing and smiling, it sure made mom and dad feel good!

How Can We Ask For More?

From Sarah's Parents

Hi everyone,
I just wanted you all to know what I was thinking as I sit next to Sarah while she is peacefully sleeping. I'm looking out her hospital window at the beautiful view of the mountains that God has provided for Sarah to look at while staying here at UMC, and I think to myself, how could we ask for more, and yet we do.
We ask that you continue to pray for "our Sarah" as she enters her second phase of recovery at Health South. This is where she will begin her intense therapy to get back home as soon as possible. I know that where we are now would not, could not, be possible without the faith and prayers that I know from the bottom of my heart have not stopped since we started down this narrow road. We will ask again for you all to continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers, because it makes our narrow road just a little wider, and with you all knowing this I know you wouldn't mind if we asked for more.
Thank you so very much.

Sarah's Parents, Larry and Margaret

That's Laugh Out Loud Funny - Just Ask Sarah!!

Tuesday 7/31/07 we headed to Tucson... We were on a mission from God in search of a very special WOMAN.. She is about 5"5, she has the most awesome hair, she loves to shop, she can make you laugh until you pee your pants, and she has a smile that lights up our life.. We found our best friend Margaret hovering over a beautiful miracle named Sarah. What a beautiful day our God laid out for each of us.. I can honestly say it was a day planned and perfected by GOD.. We are so blessed..Sarah had an awesome day.. She smiled often and even laughed out loud THREE times. Her trainer Rob came to visit. Rob asked, what have you been doing Sarah. Margaret (aka tattle tale) spoke up and said CHEATIN!!! She told Rob Sarah was using her right foot to help lift her left leg. Sarah just looked up at Rob with those big beautiful brown eyes. Basically, we all know with this look Sarah can have, say, or do ANYTHING she wants!!! As far as I'm concerned sweet Sarah would NEVER EVER cheat.. Margaret was probably just trying to get back at sweet Sarah for not letting her have that chocolate cake. As Sarah and Rob worked together doing her exercises Sarah performed with perfection. She put 110 percent into everything. She worked her body with a large red workout band. Sarah smiled as she worked her right arm and a voice rang out from the other side of the room, WOW!!!! Look at those guns!! Sarah's smile = PRICELESS..We stood at the door in awe as Rob helped Sarah to her feet. It was brought to Sarah's attention that she is way taller than her trainer. Sarah thought this was so funny.. Rob though (a man thing) not so funny!! I noticed he started to grow a little... Oh, I see Rob--- Tip toes.. Sarah called him a drama queen.. The room roared with laughter. Rob himself was laughing the hardest.Sarah was on her feet and yes indeed our little warrior took one step forward and then stepped back to the position she started at.. The room again rang out with praise and laughter.. Margaret sobbed as she cheered her precious Sarah on. That is so good Sarah, she said as she wiped the tears from her eyes.. Sarah looked over at mom and began to cry. Their tears of joy touched deep into the hearts of everyone in the room. There was not a dry eye to be found. The first person Sarah wanted to call was her dad Larry.He left the hospital and was not gone even 20 minutes before Sarah was asking for him. She told Margaret she missed her dad. Hearing this it brought me back to that first day at Phoenix Children's Hospital when this all began. Larry was sitting in the waiting room and he began to talk about how Sarah would come home from school and they would sit together and talk every day.. He knew her so well. It was no wonder she missed him after only 20 minutes - he was the first person she wanted to share her victory with. What a blessing to see a father and daughter love each other so deeply. He is such a comfort for her.We asked Rob (Sarah's trainer) if he had the opportunity to say something about Sarah what would he want you to know.. His smile was big and his eyes lit up as he told us, Sarah is amazing. He said she has such determination and with that she is getting better each day. He said she never says no to anything he asks her to do, she never wants to take a day off.. She is determined to get better. He said Sarah is incredible..Rob's picture will be posted soon so you can meet him. He has made a huge difference in the life of this family. His love for Sarah is wonderful. He wasn't even mad that she yelled at him the day before for having ice cold hands.. Who could blame our girl.. I say he's lucky she didn't kick him, or try to trip him. Margaret just says cold hands - warm heart. Sarah denies yelling at him.... I believe Sarah by the way.Many doctors came and went today, but a big highlight in Sarah's day was when Sarah's friend Tara showed up. Tara is an engineer that works at UMC. Tara comes to visit Sarah often, but no longer as her engineer. Tara loves Sarah. She comes to see her even on her days off. We spoke to Tara and asked her what we should put for her title (occupation) she smiled and said FRIEND. My heart was filled with love as she spoke.. It was an honor for me to be able to see and feel God's love through this young woman. We will soon have her picture posted so you can meet her as well.Sarah's other friend Dom (engineer) was unable to make it in today due to the rain.. Tara had him on the phone though. He told Sarah he would swim all the way down there just to see her, BUT not with all the LIGHTNING. I'm sure Dom was feelin the love as Tara and Sarah teased about him being a "Chicken Butt"..Our "Rage In the Cage Fighter" Dom also describes Sarah as a friend - he said they just happened to meet in the hospital.Sarah watched a video of the Cold Stone Creamery Fund Raiser from July 13, 2007. She was all smiles as she felt the love of so many of you. I'm not sure who liked it more Margaret or Sarah ;o)All the girls were trying to figure out how we could get a horse into the hospital, up the stairs, down the ICU hallway and into Sarah's room.. Say HORSE and watch sweet Sarah's eyes light up. Anybody have an extra one laying around? WAIT!! It does have to be alive!!Emails, Emails, Emails... What a blessing to sit and read soooo many e-mails, cards, and postcards that have been sent to Sarah.. If you'd like to send an e-mail that will be hand delivered please send it to Sarah Scarletto-Nolte.

Steph and I were in tears as we read your words of love to this family. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for taking the time to share the LOVE... I'm sure God smiles as Sarah receives each one. It was a day FILLED with God's LOVE.. Sarah is the strongest young lady I have ever met or ever heard of in all my life.. It is overwhelming to think about all she has endured and continues to endure. It is so apparent our God carries her through. That He is her strength. His love and faithfulness carries this family through this storm, we all see that so clearly

Daddy's Wrapped Arount Her Little Finger

7/28/07
On Saturday Sarah wanted some lollipops...If you didn't know, as soon as Sarah wants something, everyone around her is trying to get it as soon as possible. Sarah has been through so much, it is a joy to be able to bring her anything that will put a smile on her face! So... as soon as she said she wanted lollipops, you can bet that dad went and got those lollipops!Mom put three in front of Sarah so she could choose which one she wanted. Sarah picked one and gave her mom "THE LOOK" - the kinda look that says "hello, open my lollipop" I picked it, now you open it!Mom says Sarah, you can figure it out. Mom thinks Sarah is quite capable of opening up her own lollipop.Sarah doesn't think that's how this is gonna work out... SO, she hands the lollipop to her daddy!And dad says... "As long as I'm here honey, you'll never have to open up your own lollipop again!" He opens the lollipop and hands it to Sweet Sarah ; )Sarah just "LOOKED" at her mom.. . and her grin said it all! See mom, dad will do it!There is no way mom can get mad! How can she be upset with a man who loves his Sarah so much he will race out to get lollipops and open them just to see her smile!

Why ME??

A letter from the heart of Sarah's mom.

Today is Tuesday, the 31st of July. Since July 5th I have come home and cried, Why Me Lord, so many times. I have been told so many times, He will not give me more than I can handle, and that there must be more of Sarah's story that needs to be told. I have also been told that there must be one more person that needs to be reached for Christ. Well, today I heard the words I never wanted to hear from Sarah, and that was "Why me?". As I sat there looking back into Sarah's big brown eyes I searched for the answer to her question in my heart. Here is what I said "You were chosen to go down this hard road because God knew you were stronger than your little brothers, that's why. He knew how much you believed in Him, that's why. He knew how much faith you had, that's why." At that moment I also knew the answer to the question I had been asking Him. Why me? Why not me, this is an honor and a privilege that has been given to me. A second chance to be Sarah's mom.

Thank you for giving me another great day with Sarah Lord.

Sarah's Mom, Margaret

Christmas In July!

Sweet Santa 07/24/07

Sarah had a very special visitor today. He wore a red suit and there was a lot of noise on the roof when he left...Yep, that's right, you guessed it.. SANTA!! And he came all the way from the North Pole to see SARAH.. He heard there was a very very special young lady that needed a touch of love from above. Sarah did not know he was coming. When Santa walked in Sarah's face lit up with a smile. It was a very touching moment for all of the family.

Sarah's trainer Rob came in today. Sarah worked so hard doing her exercises with her resistance bands. When Rob asked Sarah if they were done, Sarah shook her head NO!! She pointed to her LEFT leg, telling Rob she wanted to work on it. What an inspiration this beautiful child is. She is strong through Christ. What a trooper. The determination of the Lord dwells within her.
Sarah got that chocolate cake she's been wanting! Margaret tried to hook herself up with just a taste of it.. I don't think so mom.. Sarah gave her a good smack on the hand, letting mom know just how much that cake meant to her. Then came "THE LOOK". For those of you that are unsure of what "THE LOOK" looks like. Well, it can look like you're saying any of these. I don't think so, Don't make me come over there, What are you gonna do about it, WHATEVER, and NO!!!! Now don't be fooled by Margaret talking about how Sarah gives "THE LOOK" because she invented it.
That's just between us.Margaret said Sarah was not talking much today but God always has a special way of blessing us if we keep our eyes fixed on Him. Sarah spoke through her smile today. Margaret said she smiled more today than she has in a long time. Her heart was full. I could feel her happiness. She said Sarah's smiles bring the family back to life. She told me how incredible Sarah is. How much every little thing that she does means so much..

Larry, Margaret, Sarah, and Amber thank everyone for so many e-mails, gifts and most importantly your prayers. There are no words to thank everyone. God has used so many of His children to bless this family and help them through. What an awesome God we serve. So then, let us "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

" 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18Please pray for Sarah to pass her swallow test on 07/25/07.

Seafood Anyone!!!

Sweet Sarah 7/18/07

Margaret said Sarah got that spaghetti she's been asking for. She said she told Sarah to chew it up really good. Margaret said Sarah was doing a great job until Margaret looked at her and said "are you on the seafood diet Sarah." She said Sarah stopped, gave her "THE LOOK" and then to her suprise Sarah opened her mouth really wide to show Margaret her seafood.. :0) This is laugh out loud FUNNY folks.. I love it..Margaret ended her sentence with the word -----ATTITUDE-----...God's eyes scan the earth searching for those who love HIM..Good night..

The Lollipop

Praise the LORD 7/17/07

Great news.... Just spoke to Margaret and Sarah has pretty much passed her swallow test. Thank you so much GOD. You are so great :0) She said the doctor said she is not at 100 percent but she can have pureed foods, like oatmeal and stuff like that.. Still no liquids. Sarah is hungry. She told her mom she wanted soup today. Margaret said she was able to give her a lollipop. She said Sarah loves it and was even trying to bite it. She said, Rhonda I told her not to bite it. I turned the other way and you better believe she again was trying to bite down on that lollipop. When Margaret tried to take it away Sarah held it up in the air and would not let mom have it.. My heart was filled with such joy as Margaret told me this. Margaret said Sarah will not have an MRI today, due to an error in ordering it. She is still set to have her first heart biopsy today. More praise.. Sarah gained 4 pounds :0) Margaret was so happy as she expressed what a great feeling it was to hear she gained instead of lost. She said Sarah has lost 17 pounds since 7/4/07. This is 4 pounds of much needed love that Sarah has gained.Margaret and Larry again thank you so much for praying for Sarah.. She said she will continue to fix her eyes on our Lord. You inspire the family to stay focused..Thank you for your e-mails to them, your prayers, and most importantly the light that shines through each of you as you help God care for this family. The hands and feet of Jesus.. They thank you.Please continue to pray.

The Joker

Update 07/15/07

Hi friends, Last night I spoke to Margaret. She was soooooo happy. She said the day started off slow and Sarah was still very sad but as the day went on God brought that joy that only He can bring. That is exactly what my friend said as she cried with laughter. She said, Rhonda I can't stop smiling, my face hurts. She said you know that joker guy? I'm like what? I'm thinking who in the world is she letting in to see Sarah. She said, you know Rhonda, the Joker guy on Batman? I could not stop laughing. She said, you know his face how the smile never leaves it. I said yes, I totally know who you are talking about. She said I have had a smile plastered on my face all day long! She said it started when one of Sarah's favorite engineers Tara (the lady who braided her hair, in another update) came in to see her. Sarah and Margaret just love Tara. Margaret and Tara were taking care of Sarah and Sarah was just feeling so good and asked them to scratch her back, she told mom she was itchy :0) This made Margaret so happy and Tara also. Then after they finished she said to them, I'm hungry.... This is such wonderful news. Margaret said, Rhonda I felt like my heart was going to burst.. Everything she does is so amazing. She said my words can't tell you how happy I feel. She said when I told Larry we just cried together. She said Tara could not believe how much progress she has made since this all took place. Margaret said Tara told Sarah, when the speech therapist comes in you will have to try really hard to speak to them. Tarah said, Sarah you will have to give them 110 percent. Margaret said Sarah looked at her with those big beautiful brown eyes and said, I try.... This brought both Margaret and Tara to tears... They rejoiced together as God used this precious little child to touch the center of their hearts. Margaret was telling Sarah that her and dad want Sarah to get her driver's license. She said Tara asked Sarah if she wanted to do that and Sarah shook her head yes. A little while later Tara came back with the drivers license manual for Sarah to look at and study. Margaret took Sarah's picture giving a thumbs up. She said Rhonda her smile is the most beautiful smile I have ever seen. She said it is whole. Margaret said Sarah will be going from ICU back to the step down unit again in a few days. Then she should be able to have visitors. She should be well enough in a couple of weeks to leave the hospital and go to a rehabilitation facility.. Praise God.. This angel has been given a beautiful heart, it is beating and working perfectly.

A Letter From The Heart Of Sarah's Mom

A note from Margaret about Sarah 06/08/07
I am sitting here in awe, this is the first chance I have had to just sit and read all of the emails I have received, and emails that have been forwarded to us. First I must say that when this whole thing started May 10, 2007 I thought it was something her dad and I would go through along with family and close friends. I never imagined that we would have the love and support of so many people that don't even know Sarah or for that matter, us. Our hearts are overjoyed. The words to express our grattitude have not been invented, and I can only cry when I think of everyone praying for Sarah and our family - it is overwhelming.I have been asked what is Sarah like, well here it goes...Sarah is fifteen years old. She is the strongest person we know. As parents we look at her with adoration and admiration.Sarah loves her family and has a close relationship with her sisters and cousins. She is very reserved and on the quiet side until you get to know her. She is very respectful of her elders, she doesn't have a mean bone in her body and she gets along with everyone. Everyone I know loves her laugh and says it is contagious. She loves animals, but most of all she loves her three dogs. She loves going to school, but does not like wellness (PE). She loves hanging out with her friends and shopping. Talking on the phone or texting is her full time job. She loves horseback riding and wants her own horse one day. Sarah attends Cornerstone Christian Center on Wednesdays for Epic, and then attends Palm Valley Church on Sundays.If there is one thing that you should know about Sarah, please remember this - Sarah loves the Lord and knows that He has big plans for her. Our Sarah has loved Him longer and was saved long before we (her dad and I) ever were.Thank you all for reading this small tidbit about our daughter Sarah.

Organ Donor Request 5/28/07

I've been a little lazy for the last 37 years but I am now registered to be an Organ Donor. Seeing all the kids and adults suffering in hospitals really motivated me to recently register, finally. Pass the word along to others you know.Out of love my son Justin offered his heart to a certain special girl Miss 'S', who needs a heart transplant.. Obviously he can't do that BUT someone else out there CAN if they are registered to be an organ donor.

We all get new bodies in heaven so lets leave these bodies behind to help prolong lives and end suffering for others waiting for organs.
Our present body is only a "tent" which we will put aside.
2 Co 5:1-3, 2 Pet 1:13-14

Sacrifice and helping others are consistent themes in Christianity, which teaches the principle of seeking for others what you hope others would do for you. Enabling life to be lived as fully as possible is consistent with the teaching of the Son of God, Jesus Christ:“...freely you have received, freely give”Matthew, chapter 10:8

http://www.azdonorregistry.org/

Another Brother from Another Mother trying to help Another in Christ's name,Doug

Amazing - Because It Is!!

A note from Margaret sent @ 3:52 PM

Hi all,
I'm sorry I haven't been able to text, it has just been too sad for me to muster up words to write. Today is a new day, and God is good. Today I feel much better than I have been these past few days. Don't get me wrong we are still very very sad! I have to look to others like Larry and Nan, and see the hope in their eyes, and I hear the words of others and the hope in their voices, and with that I take steps towards light that I know is at the end of this long tunnel. Why do I say amazing because it is, well for two days in a row Sarah has taken a swallow test just to see if she will be able to take in any food or liquids; she did not pass them. She had another one today, no she did not pass, but she did alot better, she stuck out her tongue just a little bit more than yesterday, she coughed with some noise in it, and drank thick liquid in two gulps rather than three this time, and when she was done she would open her mouth for more she also had to say "ah" and one two three, she was unable to do it. They also did a color test, and she knows her colors. There was also a small test on how well she follows direction, she did well. Cardio rehab came in and she did very well, for instance they brought her knees up and she lifted her bum off the bed.This afternoon Sarah had her chest tubes removed along with having her bandages changed and she took it like a trooper. So before I leave you all with this update I must tell you that I had stopped writing because Sarah wanted a swab of water. That is when I explained to her that she must try very hard to pass the swallow test tomorrow when Dr. comes in again. I told her she had to try and say 'ah', and one two three. I told her at the count of 3 we would count and say "ah" together. Again why do I say amazing because it is, after I counted to three Sarah said "ah", and she also counted 1,2,3. I started crying I could not believe my ears, so I brought the nurse in so that she could also hear the song that I heard. I asked Sarah to repeat what she had said, and Sarah said two very very softly. It hasn't happened again, but I am filled with hope so much, so my cup over floweth.

Much LoveMargaret