"What would have become of me had I not believed that I would see the Lord's goodness in the land of the LIVING. Wait, hope for and EXPECT the Lord. Be strong and of good courage and may your heart (Ned) be sturdy and enduring.....Yes, Wait For and Hope For and Expect the Lord."

Psalm 27:13-14 (Amp)

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Many Needed Prayers

Just to clarify the heading, Ned is doing fine. He is still refluxing pretty severely; however, we have been able to manage it somewhat with the use of probiotics and continuous feeds. We're simply waiting for the 25th to repair the nissen procedure. I am really hoping that once that is complete, he will begin to make some progress on feeding by mouth. I have tried him several times on spoon feeds, but it seems to get to a certain place in his throat and up it comes. I am very encouraged that he is willing to try. I so hope he'll begin to eat a little soon! Even if we're still supplementing him through the g-tube at night, I sure would like to get back to work at some point. I really miss working....just getting showered and out of the house, living in somewhat of a routine and interacting with other adults during the day. I know this is just a season so I'm trying to focus on finding my way where I am and learning to praise God for the place in which He has me. One day, when Ned is going off to college or getting married, I'll look back on this time I have with him and be grateful. Although it isn't what I would choose right now, I certainly don't want to squander it as if it isn't a valuable experience.

On to the prayer request....other than surgery and eating prayers for Ned, there are several other families who are really walking through the fire right now. I'm not sure how many of you have kept up with Baby Skyla's blog. Skyla had the same two major defects as Ned and has struggled with complications from the repairs since her birth last October. I am deeply saddened today as Skyla has lost her fight. My heart is so burdened for her mother. I truely believe that God allowed Skyla to return to Him as she had served her purpose on this earth and He wanted to shelter her from any further suffering. Having said that, I don't know that it will give her mother any peace or comfort at this moment. She has been completely devoted to Skyla and has been her strongest supporter, ally and cheer section. Please pray for her family and specifically her mother, Kristy. I would love to say that I can't imagine what they are going through, but the truth is that I have imagined it in my head many more times than I care to recall. I can't begin to know the surreal reality that is consuming them, but I believe that they must be feeling completely crushed by the realization of all their fears and now facing a sense of loss like none other.

Also, please keep in mind that one day this week may be the day that Baby Seth makes his debut. Please pray that the Lord will lay his protecting hand upon little Seth at this very moment, that He will ordain Seth's birth and use the miraculous healing of Seth's body to speak into the hearts of others. Please keep his parents, April & Russell, in your prayers throughout the week. The unknown, when it relates to your children, is a very dark place to be. I am praying that they will feel the Lord guiding them and holding them granting peace throughout Seth's healing. They are both such beautiful people, I look forward to seeing what a precious child the Lord gives to two such people.

That's all for tonight. I believe in this prayer group and God's faithfulness to respond to your requests. I attribute Ned's life to each and every little prayer that was lifted up in his name. There is much power here and I'm hoping it can now be used to bless others.

Much love to you all!
Betsy, Travis, Jack & Ned

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy.....Just letting you know that I am praying for Skyla's family and also for baby Seth. We don't always understand how God is working and that is why our faith in Him is so important I suppose.

I am also so happy to see you guys getting settled in next door. The house looks great...especially with your family in it! We are praying that Ned's repair goes well later this month...and he will be able to take food by mouth soon. Also praying for God's perfect timing on your return to work...I'm sure you miss it and it misses you too! LOL You have made some major life adjustments and handled it beautifully! Hopefully, you will be able to get into a new schedule soon....

Much love to your family, Sherry

Anonymous said...

Thanks for checking in. Tricia and I were just talking about Ned this weekend and wondering how things were going.

Baby Skyla is not one of the babies I have followed regularly (I follow many others), but occasionally I clicked on your link to see. Such a sad case, and especially after fighting the fight for eight months. I can't even imagine the pain her parents are feeling.

Praying for Ned for his upcoming surgery.

Anonymous said...

Just wanted you to know that all of you are in our prayers this week as Baby Ned has his next surgery, I pray that he will be healed and able to eat, also that you will be able to go back to work soon. I know that it must be hard to change your routine and be home all of the time, but before you know it, Baby Ned will be grown up and you will wonder where the time has gone. All of you continue to stay in our prayers. Sincerely, The Alexander's, Kim, Donald, Emily and Brock