Today was probably the hardest day that we have had since we began this journey almost two weeks ago. We were awoken with a phone call this morning from my mother telling us that the nurses said that we needed to get up to the PICU immediately. With a pit in our stomachs, we hurried over to find out that Cora had had a rough night, and that they needed to put her on a more aggresive type of ventilator. Her lungs were collapsed enough that the ventilator that she was on was not getting enough oxygen to her body. As a result her blood oxygen levels had dipped down into the 20’s several times over night. For those of you who do not know, (as I did not a few days ago) that is really low. Normally it should be 95-100. Something had to be done to help her, and the doctors felt that this was the first thing that she needed.
However, before they put her on the machine they had to do several other things that were not possible once she was hooked up to it. One of those being an echocardiogram. On the x-ray taken this morning, her heart appeared to be enlarged. So, they decided to make sure that her heart was functioning properly before anything else. It turns out that there was fluid surrounding her heart and thus was giving the impression that it was enlarged. We were so relieved to hear that it was functioning properly though. The doctors also decided to put in an additional line so that they would have more IV access. By the time that all of this was done the doctors felt that Cora had improved enough to not be put on the other ventilator.(PRAISE GOD!!!) She continued to be stable and showed some very small improvements the rest of the day. My sister, who is an ICU nurse, said that it is a miracle that Cora is in the condition that she is tonight. When she arrived this morning she did not hold very high hopes for the day, and was actually very nervous about the whole situation. Tonight we are praising God for bringing Cora this far. We are also praising God for the thousands who prayed for her last night and throughout the day today. We know that God heard our prayers, and that they were answered.
So, where do we stand now? As I mentioned above, Cora has a lot of fluid in the cavity around her heart. Therefore, she is scheduled to have surgery at 8:30 tomorrow morning to drain that cavity, and hopefully bring some relief to her heart and lung functions. It does not seem to be a major deal, but when ever your baby goes off to surgery it makes us as parents quite nervous. If you think of us in the morning please pray.
Days like today are not easy on parents. It was just yesterday morning that the doctors said they were encouraged with Cora’s condition. That was quite an upper for both of us. Today, Jess and I felt as though our hearts were being ripped out of our chests each time we turned around. The emotional exhaustion of the day has definately taken its toll on both of us and we are weary. Please pray for rest, and that God would continue to sustain us throughout the coming days.
The scripture that I have written below is kind of long, but it really describes our day quite well. It talks about the many doubts that we were having, and the feeling of abandonment that we experienced. However, if you read on you will find that we serve a god, who is bigger than any of our problems here on earth. Tonight as we go to bed that is the truth that we are holding on to.
Psalm 77
I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me. When I was in distress I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands and my soul refused to be comforted. I remembered you O God and I groaned I mused , and my spirit grew faint. You kept my eyes from closing; I was too troubled to speak. I thought about the former days, the years of long ago; I remembered my songs in the night. My heart mused and my spirit inquired; Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in ager withheld his compassion? Then I thought “To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High.” I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deed. Your ways, O God are holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. The waters saw you. O God, the waters saw you and writhed; the very depths were convulsed. The clouds poured down water, the skies resounded with thunder; your arrows flashed back and forth. Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind. your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked. Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen. You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
Praise
-For the improvement that we saw in Cora today
-For the very skilled team of doctors and nurses that are caring for her
-That today is over
Prayer
-For Cora’s surgery in the morning.
-For strength in the next few days
-For wisdom for the doctors as they treat Cora
-For continued healing for Cora
-For a better day tomorrow
Anonymous - Praise God!
Laura from FL
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Marla Taviano - Happy 11-month birthday, sweet Cora! I’m praying for you!!
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Anonymous - I check in on y’all atleast several times a day…you are in our prayers in S Carolina!!!!
Praying that Cora continues to improve and that the family continues to have their strength from the Lord.
GOD IS GOOD!!!
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Anonymous - Happy 11 month, Cora Paige!!! I pray to GOD that you will be able to hold your baby girl soon. There are sooooooo many people praying for sweet baby Cora and your families.
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Ambur - “But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.
O my strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.”
Psalm 59:16-17
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Thomas - Praise the Lord!
I just want you to know I check your blog several times a day for an update on little Cora. I am praying for God to be with you, like never before. For comfort for Cora and complete healing. For strength and hope.
Even though we do not know you personally, we care! We are hurting with you and for you.
Proverbs 18:10
The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the rightous (Joel, Jessica and Cora) run into it and they are SAFE!! Blessed be the name of the Lord!
FYI- My name is Cora too.=)
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Anonymous - Happy 11 Month Birthday Cora!!! Praise be to God! He’s our ROCK! Praying steadfast,
RMC in Indiana
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Elaine - Praying for that sweet baby girl of yours, to be rid of that cancer. Praying for your peace, and comfort while you wait on the Lords will.
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wife.mom.nurse - Your faith and trust in the Lord is well founded and truly inspires me. Praying for precious Cora.
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Livesays - Jess and Joel,
You continue to be in our constant thoughts and prayers. Doug and I both check your blog several times a day to see how you and Cora are doingand to get specific prayer requests. Your faith is steadfast and strong. We pray for Cora’s total healing and strength and comfort for you both.
Take care and stay strong!
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Anonymous - I was just waiting for your update before I go to bed! Praying that we’re seeing some of the first outward signs of the healing of sweet Cora that soooo many of us are praying for! Happy 11 months, Cora! You are absolutely LOVED all around the world! SO MANY PEOPLE! SO MANY PRAYERS! May all of you rest tonight in God’s peace, knowing that Cora is being lifted up in prayer with every beat of her sweet heart!
Love and Hugs…XOXO
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Anonymous - You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God puts Cora in my thoughts all day and I thank Him that I can lift her up in prayer. I pray that you will both have the strength needed for each day. Thank you for your updates and for the specific prayers requests. Will be praying constantly! Happy 11 month Cora!
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Amy - Happy 11 month bday, sweetie! You are loved, and so are your mommy and daddy. You and your entire family are in our prayers.
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Anonymous - Dear Father,
Please continue to hold little Cora in your hands. I lift her up to you right now along w/ Joel & Jess, and the Macs & Beverlins. Help her lungs to heal so she can breathe on her own. Help everyone to get rest. Please, God, take the cancer from her body and give her the strength she needs to be well again. Thank you for the blessing she has been to her family these last 11 months. Please heal her so she can celebrate her birthday next month. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen
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Kate - Spreading the word…
http://songskatesang.typepad.com/
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Amber - Praise God for all the baby steps. Happy 11th month birthday Cora. Cora and your family have been on mind today and every time you popped into my head I prayed for Cora’s healing and God’s strength during this time. God is good and He is holding Cora in the palm of His hand and that is the best place for her at this time. I pray that you will find peace to rest because Cora needs you guys right now. I am praising Him for the positive steps today and praying for a more positive day tomorrow.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. ~ 1 Peter 5:7
In Christ,
Amber in San Antonio, Texas
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Joanna - Yay for the praises…Continuing to pray!
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Anonymous - Singing praises and sending up prayers… always!
We serve a big and mighty God! 🙂
Happy 11th birthday Cora!!!
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Anonymous - I just want you to know how proud I am to call you guys my cousins. Your faith in God is such an inspiration to us all. I am awe struck at how many people are reading your blog and getting to see your love for the Lord and faith in Him even in the midst of despair. You do such a good job with it. People are seeing first hand what a relationship with Christ looks like and how He is there for you even in the toughest times. I know doors are being opened and hearts are being changed. God is using this for His glory. What a cool thing to be able to tell Cora someday, that people came to know Christ because of her.
Tell Cora that we love her tons. I got some great new feather headbands for her today. Joel is going to love them:) Also, tell her that Livie wears her Cora shoes everyday. And tell her that we are all thinking hard of the best, biggest gift ever for her first birthday. We love you guys so much!!!! J,A,C,S and L
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Maki - I’ll pray for your little darling daughter and your family!!!
Please stay strong and know that so many people are here to support you all through this hard time – i know she’s a trooper and she’ll make it through this!
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Christina - Happy Birthday to your precious baby girl!! I will continue to pray…
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teasinglydiverse - I was forwarded the link to your blog by a friend on Twitter and just wanted to join my voice with the hundreds of others in saying that I’ll be lifting your little Cora up in prayer.
Happy 11th month birthday!!
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heather spratt - Praise God for small miracles! I am still praying…
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Mama Kat - Praying in Seattle!!
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Laura - I just wanted you to know that I’m praying for you in California. I have cried many tears seeing what you’re going through and just pray that your little sweetie is back to feeling well again soon!
🙂 Laura
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ran shae - i just came across your blog kind of randomly, through a blog connected to another blog i have been following. anyway, as i read cora’s story my heart just broke. i can’t even imagine what it would be like to see my own 18 month old daughter fighting cancer right now. this probably sounds insane coming from a complete stranger, but i live in wichita, and i would be more than happy to help you in any way i possible can – meals, rides, shopping you need done, a place to stay. absolutely anything. i am your sister in christ, and i am prepared to help in any way i can. if nothing else, just know that i will be lifting up sweet Cora in prayer to my Father, who is mighty to save! may his peace which surpasses all understanding envelop you and your sweet daughter tonight.
~randi leister, wichita KS
rsleister@gmail.com
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Anonymous - I happened upon your blog tonight and just want you to know that I am praying for your beautiful, sweet girl Cora.
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Pamela - Lord, please restore “our” little girl’s body and get rid of the cancer!
I repeat that and emphasize “our” because I’m starting to feel like she belongs to me, too.
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Abby - Lifting you all up in prayer tonight, praising the good Lord for the small steps forward and praying that they continue as the days progress. Happy 11 month birthday sweet Cora.
In Christ,
Abby in FL
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tami - My 3 yr old is always wanting to see Cora several times a day! She loves her and has never met her. Cora must be such a special joy! We pray several times a day for her. May God’s peace wrap around you and may His power destroy that Cancer!!
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nicole_dib - We are praying for Cora and all of you. We are praying that she continues to improve and that God cures the cancer. And also we are praying for strength and comfort for the both of you.
You are in our thoughts and prayers,
nicole and family from FL
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Southern Lady - It’s so good to see that the “praises” outnumber the prayer requests. May God continue to heal Cora’s weary little body and may He help her take some “giant steps” today.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Sincerely,
Janie
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Anonymous - I only came to know of your family yesterday. My heart aches for you and baby Cora. My prayers from many miles away are going to Jesus that he will heal Cora and bring her back to full health. I knoe that with GOD anything is possible.
Karen from Boston,MA
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Heather - Having time with Jesus right now and lifting her up! You guys are so good to lay it all at His feet.
Heather
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Karen - Happy 11th month birthday Cora, you are a brave little girl! Yippee for pee!
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Drew, Taylor, and Caroline Clayton - We are praying for Cora and your family!
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Paula - I am so excited to read this blog daily. For you to put down what is happening is so wonderful, so we can pray. It is exceedingly joyful when we can see answers to our prayers too, that Cora didn’t have to have that surgery on the fluid around her heart. Thank you for taking the time to update us, even when you are weary. We are praying for you and Joel too! Love you bunches!
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Heather - Happy 11th month birthday sweet baby Cora!! I am praying my heart out for you and all of your family!!
Hugs and prayers,
Heather~ On the Homefront
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Courtney and the Boys - This all sounds like very positive news! Go Cora! I’ve spread the word about her on my blog and have elicited more prayer warriors! Hang in there…God has YOU in the palm of his hand, too. 🙂
Courtney
p.s. Are you comfortable with emailing me the address of the hospital so I could send something for Cora?
courtanddev {at} yahoo {dot} com
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Heather C - Rejoicing with you and continuing to pray for Cora… and you all. I’m praying for the physical, of course… for healing, for rest, for peace and comfort… but also praying that as you walk through this trial, you will come to understand the Father in even more intimate ways… that with each day He will reveal more of Himself to you and that knowledge will strengthen you, and bring you to an even deeper level in your relationship with Him. Oh, to know Him more! May He truly be your everything in these difficult days… may He hold your hands and whisper soothing words of comfort to your hearts. May He show you the many ways He is at work in this… for your good and for His glory. God bless you all! We’re praying in NH.
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Megan (mommyesquire) - Even little praises and baby steps are something. Continuing to pray for you today.
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Anonymous - You and Cora remain in my heart and prayers constantly…
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Juliann - I used to be a PICU nurse in Chicago, I can picture all the machines little Cora needs right now; I am praying for you all daily, as is my Bible study group.
Juliann (Meg Duerksen’s friend)
Gurnee, IL
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Scarlet O'Kara - I am crying tears of joy that the surgery was not necessary and that she is doing better. Now our prayers need to continue to be for her recovery…
Lord, please continue to hold this precious baby in your loving arms and help her heal so that she can be in the loving arms of her parents once more…
This Child Of God has become a child of so many…
Happy 11 Months Beautiful Baby Cora!
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David - Joel and Jess,
I find my thoughts, which lead to prayers, with you and Cora all of the day (and sometimes in the middle of the night).
God is good!
The David Hall’s
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Twice as Nice - Praying for your sweet baby.
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PamperingBeki - YAY pee!
Happy 11 month birthday to your beautiful girl.
Continued prayers all the time here. Camryn and Drew pray for Cora every night before bed.
God bless you guys today!
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little flying pigs prayer warriors - Continuing to pray. Feel God’s loving arms around you today!!
Keep flying little Cora!
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Anonymous - Know that when you are too exhausted to pray, we’ll be praying. We serve a mighty and faithful God. I wish we could understand His ways… but we know His ways are perfect even when we don’t understand. Rest in that. Your testimony through this unimaginable journey has been amazing.
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leahneer - I am doing my morning check in. Thank god Cora is hanging in there and there are some praises for the day. She is in gods hands and god will take good care of her and help you all through this as well. May he continue to give you guidance to make decisions you need to, rest when you can, and ease the weariness you feel. Happy 11 months to Cora, may today give her rest, easier breathing, and good news to all of you. May her ill body become a new and healthy one soon, this we all pray! God bless and feel everyones love and support surrounding you.
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mommaof4wife2r - praises for the cancellation of the surgery! yes! i continue to pray god’s word over you all and ask for his mighty hand to clear that nasty cancer…and to heal the seeping and to give her some rest and well, everything…he IS mighty to save. great verse to cling to.
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Anonymous - Joel & Jess
I have your family picture over my computer at work, I continue to lift you all up in prayer.
I too am praying for a miracle
David McCloud
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Chelsea - As with many followers of your blog, you don’t know me, but I have been praying for you and your sweet baby Cora. I have witnessed time and time again the faith and quite strength that is displayed by believers in Christ through times of trial. You and Jess are a living example of God’s faithful, trusting in the Lord and spreading his glory through your time of sorrow and pain. God does all things for the good of those who love him.
I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Ps 18. 1-2
In Christ’s love!
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momof4beautifulbeauties - I have been praying for Cora and your family.
Happy 11 months old Cora 🙂
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Denise - Oh I will be praying for you and your family for a speedy recovery. Keep the faith.
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Elle's Mom - Cora is so beautiful! I have been thinking of her since I came across your blog yesterday. Like so many other mommies here I’m sure, I see so much of my own child in Cora. I will be praying for her and your family.
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Anonymous - Sending positive thoughts and vibes your way – from North Florida. I hope your wishes and prayers are answered. I hope your sweet little girl is comfortable and continues to show signs of improvement.
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Cristy - I have goosebumps from reading those answers to prayer! Yes!! 🙂 I will stop stop praying for Cora. Keep fighting sweet girl.
Cristy
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Cristy - Oops…should have said NOT stop praying. I will not stop praying!
Cristy
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amyflew - I got directed to your page by ways of a friend of a friend and am very touched by your story. You are in our thoughts and prayers that things continue to go well and that the Lord’s blessings and grace continue to be on your whole family, particularly little miss Cora!
I just wanted to let you know about a site that you may want to check out. It’s called Caring Bridge and is especially set up for families to use in difficult times such as yours to help keep people update. My husband and I found out about it through campers from an Oncology camp we volunteer at each year. It’s a great way to keep everyone up to date and allow people to post comments/prayers. The site is http://www.caringbridge.org/
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Dancing Queen - sending you much love & prayers from our family in San Antonio…
be strong!! many prayer warriors are here for you!!
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Care - I’m so thankful that improvements are being seen! Can’t wait to see all of you today…wow TODAY!
You are all in my prayers
carrianna
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Steph - Amen to all your praises. Continuing to lift Cora up!
Stephnie in CA.
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Melisa - I came across your site and check daily for updates (however, I’ve never posted until today). Thank you for reminding us to find the GOOD in the BAD. You are great examples of how to love and surrender to Christ and I am grateful to have found your blog.
I pray daily for your family, your sweet baby and the team of doctors and nurses.
Happy 11 month Birthday Sweeet Baby Cora!
~Melisa (in Schertz, Texas)
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Mark, Danielle and Asher - While I don’t know you guys personally, have been following your story through the Moffats…please know that you are being surrounded with prayer and I am interceding for precious Cora! So awesome that you put the Zeph. verse up because every time I pray for you the song “Mighty to Save” comes into my head…our God truly is mighty to heal and save!
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