Sep
30
    
Posted (Tina) in All Posts on September-30-2007


Ella’s night and early morning has been rough.

About 10:30pm, the nurse increased the fentanyl. That seemed to do the trick and Ella slept most of the night. But when she would awaken, things were touchy.

The blood gas at 3am was not good. Her pH balance was off and the cO2 was very low (alcalotic). Dr. Kays was paged immediately. He made changes to the vent setting and asked that they place the brain oximeter back on her forehead (you don’t want the alcalotic condition to be absorbed into the brain). He asked for a repeat blood gas in an hour.

At 4am, her blood gas was better (pH of 7.45, cO2=49, pO2=62). But the next blood gas this morning was back in the wrong direction with the carbon dioxide too low (pH level=7.29, cO2=36, pO2=76).

The other day, Dr. Kays had switched Ella to the oscillating ventilator because her cO2 level was too high and to help the lungs expand more. But with the cO2 numbers getting so low, he may decide at some point to place her back in the standard ventilator.

Her chest x-ray this morning shows that her right lung has collapsed a bit. This, of course, is making it tougher for Ella to breath since that is her better lung. They have positioned her towards the right in the hopes of getting that lung to expand again.

When Ella is awake, they are giving her sedation to keep her calm (remember she also does not like laying on her right side). Without sedation, she is getting very upset and is having a tough time breathing. Her saturations are in the high 80’s to mid 90’s and she is on 100% oxygen. She is struggling.

Please continue to pray for sweet Ella this morning. We are walking on thin ice in this moment: we just need for her to remain level and not nose dive. Dr. Kays plans to be at the hospital later and we look forward to getting an update from him.

Psalm 143:8
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
for to you I lift up my soul.

UPDATE (3:15pm EST): Ella does not look good. We have not seen her look this way in weeks. She is so puffy and having such a hard time. She looks like a completely different baby.

As we sit near her bedside and try to not make any noise, her saturations are in the high 80’s. After this morning where her cO2 was too low, now her cO2 has gotten too high again, 96 (should be around 40).

Dr.Kays looked at the x-ray and said that he does still see fluid on her right side.

The brain oximeter shouldn’t be below 51. We are seeing high 40’s.

Again, the numbers are glaring and she does not look good. But God prepared our hearts for today. Thanks for all your posts and prayers – – all of you are ministering to us in this time.

This hymn keeps coming into our mind and we keep singing it:

O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder
Consider all the works Thy hands have made.
I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,
Thy power through-out the universe displayed.

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee;
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee:
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

UPDATE (5:30pm EST): Your prayers are making a difference in Ella’s comfort and her strength to keep fighting. Her last blood gas was traveling in the right direction, cO2 went down to 85 and her saturations have been between 98 and 100.

When through the woods and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze:

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee;
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee:
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

UPDATE (9:30pm EST): The Lord is so good. All of your prayers mean so much.

He has placed a hedge of protection around us and filled us with joy. The nurses can’t figure out why we are doing so well in a moment that seems dark. The Holy Spirit has been continually feeding us truths and promises. As we seek Him more earnestly, we are experiencing His works first-hand, and being filled us with an amazing oneness and peace.

And the words of encouragement and hope from all of you are amazing. God is using so many of you out there to minister to us. Some are posting, others are emailing, some are leaving voicemails and others are simply on their knees. It is so amazing to see God work and know that He is in control and orchestrating every detail!

Ella’s last blood gas was ideal – – pH level was 7.5, cO2=44, pO2=117. Dr. Kays was amazed.

We take it in as fresh air, knowing that it means Ella is experiencing the same. There may be dips, but we trust that He is sovereign and Ella is resting in His hands.

We continue in prayer this evening at her bedside and will keep you updated on her progress. Thanks again to all of you. It is such a privilege to be Ella’s parents and to experience this journey with all of you.

And when I think that God, His Son not sparing,
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin:

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee;
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee:
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!



Eusey Family on September 30th, 2007 at 9:48 am #

Oh you guys, tears in our house this morning for you and Sweet Ella. Know we are praying all day every moment for Ella to turn the corner. God, please grant this wonderful family the healing of Ella.

Hugs,
RSMRCR

Joel Snyder on September 30th, 2007 at 9:49 am #

Ella, Just hang on my little “Gator Girl” keep steady. My prayers are with you now. Dear God help our sweet Ella and bring healing to her lungs. Tina and Josh I am praying for both of you also. All my Love, Grnadpa!!!!

Joan and Steve Odell on September 30th, 2007 at 10:17 am #

Father, hold Ella and keep her stable, help her with this struggle and let her get comfortable. Let Josh and Tina feel Your strength, love and compassion during these coming hours. Touch Dr. Kays and direct him in the right way for Ella’s care. Amen – We love you and are praying unceasing – hugs – steve and joan

Char Snyder-Jordan on September 30th, 2007 at 10:22 am #

Dear Baby Ella,
Know that your family and friends are praying mightily for you and your mom and dad. We feel so helpless to help you along your way. May the Lord Jesus Christ show you the way. May a miracle of love lighten the load. Love, Aunt Char and Jim

JoAnna King and Kids on September 30th, 2007 at 10:36 am #

Josh and Tina–we are continuing to bring you all before the throne of grace. Hang in there, we love you.

Laura Blackwell on September 30th, 2007 at 10:47 am #

I am so sad to hear this news. Your hearts must be so heavy. Will pray and check for updates all day.

Lesli Richards on September 30th, 2007 at 10:49 am #

Lord, we cry out to you to heal this baby girl. Please, Lord, preserve her life. Give Dr. Kays the wisdom to help Ella overcome this hurdle. Lord, please, we beg you to intervene in your miraculous way and bring Ella to complete health. We pray for Josh and Tina, that you would continue to uphold them in your right hand. Lord, sooth them today, comfort their ragged hearts, torn from the roller-coaster ride of the last two days. Lord, I thank you that you know what you are doing and this is all part of your plan for the lives of our dear friends and their daughter. Please give them the strength and the courage to keep walking this walk that you have laid out for them. Please send special words to speak to their hearts today.
Amen.

We love you. The Richards family

We love you and are praying without ceasing for sweet baby Ella.

Clay Brantley on September 30th, 2007 at 11:07 am #

Josh and Tina,

Sorry to hear that Ella is having such a hard time. We are continuing to pray for Ella and you guys. Don’t loose faith. We have a lot of people praying for Ella.
Clay & Julie

Shelly on September 30th, 2007 at 11:53 am #

Please Dear Lord lift this Sweet baby up and HEAL HER!!! In your name I pray

Andrew Weir (a friend of Adrienne's) on September 30th, 2007 at 1:02 pm #

Ella will live and not die. She is going to grow up to be God’s precious little girl. We all believe so that you can too. Ella will be completely perfect, she will have no mark of any of this.

Andrew Weir (a friend of Adrienne's) on September 30th, 2007 at 1:19 pm #

Singing with you.

Eusey Family on September 30th, 2007 at 1:22 pm #

One of our favorite poems… We thought it might give you a little comfort knowing you are being held right now.

Footprints

One night a man had a dream.

He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; one belonged to him, and the other to the Lord.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. he noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.

This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it. “Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you’d walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that at the worst times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. How could you leave me when I needed you the most?”

The Lord replied ” My precious, precious child, I love you and would never leave you. During your times of suffering and when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried
you.”

All your friends and family are also “carrying” you in prayer.

XO

Adrienne (Melissa's sister!) on September 30th, 2007 at 1:34 pm #

It is night here where we are (11:30pm!)and I have asked the people who are praying with us for Ella to consider fasting & praying for her tomorrow… We need a MIRACLE from the Lord.
Father we ask that in your MERCY you spare Ella and that your healing touch would be the mark of that scar on her body throughout her life. That she would constantly be reminded of your grace and the *miracle* that you gave her with her HEALING! What a testament she will be to the YOUR power!

We thank you for this precious family and ask that your peace would rest upon them as they draw near to you in this time of raw emotion.

We love you and TRUST you Lord. Amen.

Andrew Weir (a friend of Adrienne's) on September 30th, 2007 at 2:24 pm #

Psalm 121:
“I lift up my eyes to the hills– where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord the maker of the heavens and earth. He will not let your foot slip– he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you — the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm– he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

“Then the Lord said to Joshua, Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Father, let light of your face, the compassion of your heart surround the West family. We believe that you are a God of LIFE! No matter what the numbers point to, we believe that Ella rests peacefully in your hand. We believe you are sustaining her precious life and bringing her body to complete wholeness. We put all our hope in you, you are the source of our help. Loving Father, Prince of Peace, Faithful and True, Compassionate King, Healer, and Provider, we worship you. Our eyes are fixed on you, sweet Jesus, lover of our souls.

Melissa Morris on September 30th, 2007 at 2:26 pm #

Wow!!! I can’t even imagine. I have been out of town over the weekend and I just got back and sat down at the computer to catch up. My heart is so heavy as I’m sure yours is.
Just keep the faith. Right now you have to cling to His promises. He will not let you go now. He has brought your beautiful family so far and He is not going to let you go.
Just rest in the knowledge that He is with you both and your beautiful daughter, Ella. Let Him carry you right now and lean on Him.
Lord, please bring your peace at this very moment to the West family. Let your presence be in Ella’s room like it’s never been before.
Give Dr. Kays and his staff the wisdom and knowledge needed to turn Ella around and put her back on the right track. We lift Ella (and her faithful parents) up to you right now. We pray for a miracle to happen right now on Sept. 30th!!
Please Lord, may your will be done on Earth. Continue to give Josh and Tina daily bread.
We praise you for every breath you have given Ella, for each day, all of the smiles and most of all for her life! We praise you that you are so BIG and MIGHTY!! We trust you Lord and know that you have BIG plans for Ella’s life. Please give the West family a breath of fresh air in a mighty way. Fill her lungs and expand them each moment of every day. Remove all of the fluid and heal her body.
Thank you for letting us all be witnesses to your greatness!
In Jesus name I pray. AMEN!!

Hang tight, Ella!! Go Ella, GO!! GO GOd, GO!! Steady and slow.
a song that came to me….

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!…..
a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

God is faithful!! Keep believing!!

Love you all,
Melissa

Laura Blackwell on September 30th, 2007 at 2:39 pm #

Micah 7:7 But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will answer me. WE ARE WATCHING EXPECTANTLY FOR YOUR INTERVENTION LORD. LET TODAY BE THE DAY!

Dana on September 30th, 2007 at 2:40 pm #

Josh, Tina, and sweet Ella- Our hearts are so heavy for you right now. We continue to pray that things will turn in the right direction and stay that way. We love you and wish we were there to give you big hugs.

Kristen on September 30th, 2007 at 3:05 pm #

Lord Jesus, breath for her, rest in her, heal her moment by moment and give us your peace.

Jon & Laura Sizelove on September 30th, 2007 at 4:27 pm #

We’re praying…Lord heal little Ella, guide the doctors and give mom and dad strength.

Kathy Lee (friend of Brendan and Lesli Richards) on September 30th, 2007 at 5:00 pm #

Josh and Tina,
Our family has been praying for you. My youngest daughter (Ellie-3) is in Brendan and Lesli’s Bible Study class and she came home talking about baby Ella and how she prayed for her today in class. She wanted to see Baby Ella so we just pulled up your website and Ellie has spent the last ten minutes staring at your sweet little girl. =)

We pray that God’s grace covers your family and that He will heal your beautiful daughter. Run to our Father, rest at HIS feet!

John, Kathy, John Michael, Grace, Jackson, Ellie, and Henry Lee

The Brittain Family on September 30th, 2007 at 5:35 pm #

This tune has been lilting through my soul all weekend as the 3 of you continue to be close to our hearts….

I am not skilled to understand
what God has willed, what God has planned–
–I only know at His right hand
sits One Who is My Savior!
I take Him at His word indeed:
“Christ died for sinners,” this I read;
For in my heart I find a need
Of Him to be my Savior!
That He should leave His place on high
And come for sinful man to die
You count it strange? so once did I,
Before I knew my Savior!
And oh, that He fulfilled may see
The travail of His soul in me,
And with His work contented be,
As I with my dear Savior!
Yes, living, dying, let me bring
My strength, my solace from this Spring;
That He who lives to be my King
Once died to be my Savior!

Oh HOW He loves this precious Ella. May He keep His promises always and hold her close. We trust Him for her comfort, her healing, and her every breath. Her suffering is so close to His Own, and He knows her every need. Keep trusting, one breath at a time. He promises to be with us through the valley of shadows, to never leave us, to never forsake us. We keep holding onto His goodness and we know it pleases Him when we come before Him with our requests and we do ask Him boldly for her healing. Our hearts our broken together with yours that she is suffering so and yet we trust, we hope, we wait. May He hold you and keep you under the shelter of His wings. We will keep praising His Name, for He is Great!

The Laz Fam! on September 30th, 2007 at 5:38 pm #

Our dear friends – How pleased I am to tell you that the amazing Crystle Lewis visited our church today, and sang for us, and the last song she sang was — How Great Thou Art. It is my great pleasure be God’s messenger of this to you: He hears, He loves, and He treasures your little girl completely. He is, indeed, Great.
Love,love, love TKJB

Stef on September 30th, 2007 at 5:57 pm #

My precious little agentes – I as I mentioned the other day, we are praying our you know whats off for you, baby Ella, Dr. Kays and the rest of the staff caring for her!
As I was reading over the posts for the 10th time today, a song entered my mind. I have to sing this one to myself sometimes and today I feel it applies to my thoughts and prayers for all of you. “His strength is perfect when our strength is gone. He’ll carry us when we can’t carry on. Raised in His Power, the weak become Strong. His strength is perfect, His strength is perfect.”
Also,
“He is able, more than able, to accomplish what concerns me today. He is able, more than able, to handle ANYTHING that comes my way. He is able, more than able, to do much more than I could ever dream! He is able, more than able, to make me what He wants me to be.”
And finally, “Oh how He loves you and me! Oh how He loves you and me! He gave His life, what more could He give? Oh how He loves you! Oh how He loves me! Oh how He loves you and “me!”
We love you guys and pray for peace and rest tonight.
Love, Josh, Stef, Levi and Morgan

Dirrim family (friends of Brendan and Leslie) on September 30th, 2007 at 6:07 pm #

Our familys’ hearts are heavy for you all tonight. We are praying diligently for Ella that her body would be healed and for strength and peace for you two.

Dawn Franck on September 30th, 2007 at 6:12 pm #

Oh Tina and Josh, I am thinking about you guys and praying for a better night for Ella and only better days to come. I can’t imagine how hard this must be for both of you but I know that you are such awesome parents and you are guiding your baby girl through these tough times. Keep strong and take care of yourselves because I know sweet Ella needs you guys more than ever! All my love, Dawn

Cathie Firestone on September 30th, 2007 at 6:26 pm #

Dear Josh and Tina…Carl and I have been away on business over the weekend and we just sat down to catch up on your sweet Ella…what a tough road you have all been walking these past few days. We are lifting her and both of you up right now to our mighty and awesome God…we are praying Jesus’ healing, live giving blood over and through her precious body and we are wating eagerly for the miracle of her complete healing that He is going to give to you very soon. Your courage and strength is amazing to us all and it is an honor to know you both.

Tammy on September 30th, 2007 at 7:04 pm #

I pray that we will all gather together with family, neighbors, family and pray for Ella. The power of prayer is amazing, and the lord is faithful. You are on my heart and I will continue to keep you all in prayer.

Schultz family on September 30th, 2007 at 7:25 pm #

We have been praying for your family for quite awhile and is so saddening to see this turn. Oh, but we serve a great GOD!! He is bigger than what we see or know and has His Spirit working even as we pray! God is faithful to hear our prayers.
Isiah 40:29-30 “(God) gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might He increases strength.”
Is 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Ps. 91:14-15 “Because He holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows My name. When he calls to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.”
We are continuing to pray for your family.
In His love,
The Schultz family

Heidi Ham on September 30th, 2007 at 7:35 pm #

God hear the prayers being lifted to you on behalf of this beautiful little angel and her parents. Please begin the healing process in little Ella today. Lord continue to bless Josh and Tina with your amazing peace Lord and know that family friends and even strangers are on their knees praying for all of them. It is in your Sons Precious Name that we come. We are thinking about you all…best of all to each one of you. Dr. Kay may the Lord Bless you with the treatment you need to provide to Ella – be His hands to her healing.

Grandpa Jack on September 30th, 2007 at 7:58 pm #

God is doing his miracles for Sweet Ella and for the both of you!!!!

I love you all! and I will continue praying unceaseling for her healing.

Grandpa

Cathie Firestone on September 30th, 2007 at 8:05 pm #

Lord Jesus we praise Your precious Name for Ella’s latest blood gas. We praise You for the peace and patience that You continually give to Josh and Tina. We thank You God, that we can be in Your prescence at all times and that You hear our every prayer. Lord I pray that you would give Josh, Tina and Ella sweet rest tonight and that You would continue this miracle in sweet Ella’s body that You are orchestrating before our eyes. I pray that you would continue to grant wisdom to Dr. Kays and the rest of the staff as they care for this precious life that You have created for an amazing purpose. Lord, I pray all of these things in Your precious and Holy Name…Amen.

Williamsburg on September 30th, 2007 at 8:05 pm #

As before, in the absence of words, our spirits are relying on His for intercession, peace, wisdom, comfort, and thankfulness for each step along the way. What a privilege to be part of your family. Our deepest love. XOXOXO

Eusey Family on September 30th, 2007 at 8:07 pm #

Way to go Sweet Ella. Eusey kids were on their knees tonight asking Jesus for the healing of their cousin. We pray for improvement over the night.
Thanks for the updates – they make us feel so close to you both and Sweet Ella.

XO
Rick, Shannon, Megan, Richard, Claire and Ryan

Angie on September 30th, 2007 at 8:23 pm #

Josh & Tina – I’m so sorry to hear Ella has been having some rough days. I’m just getting caught up.. I’m glad to see things improving a bit this evening. You guys are in our thoughts & prayers all the time. Tell Ella to stay strong for me. ~Nurse Angie

monika on September 30th, 2007 at 8:36 pm #

dearest tina,josh, sweetest ella, prayers of family, friends, strangers enfold you continually, and evenmoreso always GOD’S GRACE abundantly washes over all of you and the staff, beyond appearances, your faith shoring up everyone and making your little girl strong in spirit even in her weakest suffering, like CHRIST. may we all be so CHRISTLIKE in our endurings. may we all fast from complaining, and just offer up for ella’s sake. may we not take our breaths in stride or for granted but make each inhalation a prayer of praise to JESUS and each exhalation an obedience to HIM. LORD JESUS CHRIST, SON OF OUR LIVING GOD, HAVE MERCY let that be our every breath like ST. PAUL tells us to pray always. we thank GOD WITH YOU FOR HIS GIFTS OF LIVING WORD

Keith Grow on September 30th, 2007 at 8:50 pm #

Heard about the news today, checking out the website now brings back an incredible number of memories. ALL the numbers, equipment, procedures, medications, etc. are what our little girl required for her first 8 weeks in the level 3 NICU. Though for different reasons than Ella we we’re there too. Salem’s (peace) right lung wasn’t allowed to develop properly because alot of fluid accumulated in her chest cavity before birth. She’s had 8 holes and even more chest tubes for draining the fluid, dozens of x-rays, dozens and dozens of test, and many modern medical equipments to keep her alive they never figured out what the fluid was, were it was coming from, nor could they understand why it started going away. Many thousands of people were praying for our little girl. A very astonishing thing we experienced is how many people pray for the little ones. People we never met coming up to us and telling us they’re praying. We almost lost her 4 times, but with a quiet knowledge we wouldn’t.

She still requires a small amount of O’s at 11 months old. She’s a miracle without a doubt, with looking at her now, you’d never know where she was. As her father, she made me the proudest dad in the world because she was just that much more special than the rest. Perhaps only those who’ve been were we’ve been can understand this but her sickness made her special because she wasn’t one of the norm.

I’m praying for you and for your daughter. You’ve got a little one that’s special and you know that.

God bless you with strength for this time in your lives. You’ve got my e-mail now, if you need to contact us, my wife and I would love to talk to you.

Lori Vodnik on September 30th, 2007 at 9:05 pm #

Oh you guys. There is not an hour that goes by that we aren’t thinking of you and wishing we could be there to comfort you in person. Rest assured that we are speaking to Him daily and asking him to comfort you and baby Ella. Keep fighting Ella, there is strength in faith.

Stef on September 30th, 2007 at 9:30 pm #

Hi my friends. As I was praying for you this evening, the Lord brought some verses to my mind. We have read this passage many times before, but it is always relevant. The first several lines especially, hold meaning for me. ” O Israel, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles? How can you say God refuses to hear your case? Have you never heard or understood? Don’t you know that the LORD is the EVERLASTING GOD, the creator of all the earth? HE NEVER GROWS FAINT OR WEARY! No one can measure the depths of His understanding. He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offer strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40: 27-31. Isn’t it amazing, that when we are so low and so weary, when we feel like we just can’t go on, God is there and He is ready to go! Every time I read it I am amazed and so grateful!
Before I go, I have a couple more verses. I know this post is getting long! :o)
Psalm 56: 3-4 “But when I am afraid, I put my trust in You. “O God, I praise Your Word. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?”
John 14: 27-28 “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn’t like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, BUT I WILL COME BACK TO YOU AGAIN!” I really have no words after reading this one!
I love you guys so much and will continue to pray as always! Sleep tight – God is awake and has His hand on our precious little Ella Renae.
Love your guts,
Stef

Johnny and Mary Lou Brantley on September 30th, 2007 at 9:34 pm #

We have been out of town for over a week, so we are just catching up on Ella. We, along with our friends and family members, are continuing to pray for you and your precious little girl, and Dr. Kays. Keep trusting in God and he will see you through. Your faith and trust has been a real blessing to everyone.
Love and prayers, Johnny and Mary Lou Brantley

Pat Hadden on September 30th, 2007 at 9:53 pm #

We love you guys.
Pat & Bob Hadden

Melissa Morris on September 30th, 2007 at 10:00 pm #

I was getting ready for bed and wanted to check in on you guys….
Praise God!! God is good, all the time… all the time God is good!!
What great news. I am so pleased that you all received a breath of fresh air. Thank you, Jesus!!
Sleep tight and hold on! Get ready for a miracle. May you all get some rest and awaken in the morning refreshed and ready to continue on this journey. He is with you all of the time. Keep leaning on Him and clinging to His promises.
Go God Go!! Go Ella Go!!
I am just thrilled and look forward to some great news and more improvement in the morning.
Love, Melissa

Melissa Morris on September 30th, 2007 at 10:02 pm #

P.S. Keep singing…
“…and I’ll praise you in the storm!”
-Casting Crowns

Adrienne (Melissa's sister!) on September 30th, 2007 at 10:14 pm #

It the the dawn of a new day here and while you are asleep – we will pray for your sweet family, the doctors and your precious little Ella.

I will be back in Denver next summer and I just can’t wait to meet that sweet sweet baby and hear of her miracle first hand!

Lifting you up over the oceans during your night!

Love,
A.

Beth Mahoney on September 30th, 2007 at 11:45 pm #

Josh and Tina,
You don’t know me but I know OF you from mutual connections at Biola (Aimee, Pam, and Eli). I have been following and praying for you both and little Ella. I am 6 months pregnant and also got a scary phone call just a day after our 20 week ultrasound. Although our baby now appears to be okay it was around that time that I learned about Ella and have been a partner in prayer ever since. I have been touched and encouraged by your posts…shouldn’t it be the other way around!? God is using you and Ella in so many ways you don’t even know!

When reading the posts the last couple days, a song that has always comforted me in difficult times keeps coming to mind. I thought I’d share the words in case you are unfamiliar with it. It is called “Higher Ways” by Steven Curtis Chapman:

If I could only fly
I’d go up and look down from the sky
So I could see the bigger picture
And Lord if I could sit with You
At Your feet for an hour or two
I’m sure I’d ask too many questions
‘Cause there’s so much going on down here
That I must confess I just don’t understand

BRIDGE
But I have prayed
And at your feet my whole life has been laid
So I wont worry I wont be afraid
‘Cause my soul is resting on Your higher ways
Let the road ahead become unclear
I am Yours so what have I to fear
If my soul is resting on Your higher ways

CHORUS
Your higher ways teach me to trust You
Your higher ways are not like mine
Your higher ways are the ways of the Father
Hiding His children in His love

BRIDGE
So let it rain
And if my eyes grow dim with tears of pain
This hope I have will not be washed away
‘Cause my soul is resting on Your higher ways

Someday I will fly and
Maybe then You will take me aside
And show me the bigger picture
But until I’m with You
I’ll be here with a heart that is true
And a soul that’s resting on
Your higher ways

God bless you both and baby Ella. I hope you can find comfort in these words as I do.

Jenny Talbott on October 1st, 2007 at 9:31 am #

It’s all going to be okay… it’s all going to be okay… it’s all going to be okay…

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