Thank you for your encouragement, God is awesome and provides for all our needs. I spoke with my dad last night and he reminded me not to let up with prayer. To in fact, double our efforts due to the evil one's desire to steal God's glory.
It is exhausting to occupy your time trying to solve something that you cannot solve. It is the kind of thing people need to be medicated for because of the loss of sleep and physiological(sorry big word meaning physical) damage to heart, stomach and GI tract. And none of it is necessary. So easy to say, yet near impossible for my selfish heart to do. It is funny how much I can feel the need to be worried. It just seems like I should be pacing and loosing hair. I think I have perfected staring through walls. I can just look and be transported into other worlds, futures of both good and bad. I am thankful to say that when I return to reality the present is exactly as it should be. God has given Esther a less than "normal" entry into life, but her strength and peace is astounding.
Lots of people have told me that what we are writing is inspiring, and I would have to say the same of your responses. We are continually encouraged and genuinely shocked at the amazing show of faith through prayer for our daughter. Understand that what you are doing is making a difference, God hears you and is answering.
Since I started this post this noontime Esther has had another successful ECMO circuit change and is doing very well. When they change these there are not only significant risks to Esther as far as a lag in support from the machine, but she also looses majority of the medications that have been circulating to keep her comfortable and control her pain. Our nurse told us that immediately after they started the new circuit Esther opened her eyes wide open as if to say "what are you doing to me lady!" I am happy to say that just a few minutes ago we got our own "eye" show, and she looked adorable. Scanning the room and looking around with curiosity.
Lord God, we pray for your protection, comfort, peace and joy as we look to You and what you have planned for our moments to come.
Psalm 51:12-17
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
so that sinners will turn back to you.
14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,
you who are God my Savior,
and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
15 Open my lips, Lord,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
17 My sacrifice, O God, is[b] a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart
you, God, will not despise.
so that sinners will turn back to you.
14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,
you who are God my Savior,
and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
15 Open my lips, Lord,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
17 My sacrifice, O God, is[b] a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart
you, God, will not despise.
God Blessyou. If you knew what your words mean to Tony and I. We will be on our knees in prayer you and Esther. We love you.
ReplyDeleteMy heart leapt into my throat for a moment hearing about her opening her eyes for a moment. That makes me so happy to hear. It's nice to get that peak to remind you that your baby is still in there although most of the time sedated. I'm glad you were there for a little peak! :)
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Papa, Jesus and Holy Spirit, Praise You for "open eyes"
ReplyDeleteKeep all eyes open to You for all of our needs are found in You. The prayer focus for the Upper Room today is Parents of Young Children (reminding me to not only pray for Precious Esther and family; but all of those in need)- Papa's Promise "(Papa) will Cover you with his Feathers, and under His Wings you will find Refuge; His Faithfullness will be your shield and rampart.-Psalm 91:4" Feel the Soft Touch of Feathers and Rest in our Savior's Promises. United in Prayer and Praises, UR sis
I love your candidness Jason. I truly get lost in your writing-it's a gift for sure. Praising the Lord with you that she had a successful circuit change. I be praying that she can soon get off ECMO and for you both to have renewed strength and endurance along with assurance that God is taking care of Esther. Love you guys. Beks
ReplyDeleteAs I was praying for you and reading your Joy of Seeing Precious Esther "open eyes" my heart longed to sing Praises to Papa (so I went to Youtube; something I had not done before until you shared one of the songs giving you strength)So I need to say THANK YOU! for Comfort and Joy (in song and images) in "Open The Eyes of My Heart, Lord" - M.W. Smith and "I Lift My Hands"- Chris Tomlin - Sharing your journey is a never ending flow of Papa's Love...
ReplyDeleteI don't know you but I have been following your story. I think about baby Ester several times a day, say a prayer and end with my eyes to heaven and a whisper of "Fight, Ester, Fight!" Today my 4 yr old son saw Ester's picture as I was reading your update. He asked me if God knew about baby Ester. I answered yes. He squeezed his eyes tight and said this prayer, "God, please make this baby better quick so she can go home with her family. Amen". My heart aches, tears flow, your story has touched my soul. Your unwavering faith has reminded me how precious life is and that God is good. May God continue to surround you in his love. We are all praying with you and for you....."Fight, Ester, Fight!"
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