[Sorry about the delay - talk about an inconvenience - but, it was definite reminder of how much we take for granted the technology of "electricity"...how did they function in "Walnut Grove"? And for whatever reason yesterday morning's post did not publish before the electricians cut the power - and I did not notice it until this morning. So, here's the rest of the story...Thanks Paul Harvey!]
"But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it..." [Matthew 7:14]
We received some great advice the other day via a Facebook message, and it read: "Pray-Decide-and Don't look back!" So many times in life - we pray, yield to the prompting of the Spirit, decide/choose to trust and obey...and when the path narrows (or in this case seems to be no path at all - maybe just a leaf that is moved out of the way) we turn back, and rely on and lean into the wisdom of earth or our own understanding to a place that is "comfortable" or a physical space that may provide a false sense of "security", or desperately search for a "way out" ... but, Christ is the way to life, peace, security, sanctuary, comfort, refuge, strength, sight, future, goodness, hope, joy, worth, provision, patience, compassion, courage, faith, rescue and foundation to stand on when there seems to be no way! Its all because of Jesus that I am alive - literally! Christ is the one who saves...and He is the one that provides for our every need - through the hands, feet, hearts and resources of His Body - the church! And man...have we been a witness to that provision!
Provision is not just "financial resource" as so many might think...and one of the greatest moments this past week was when we had the opportunity to meet one of Jackson's heros - Kristen. It was Christ working in and through Kristen, that Jackson even has the opportunity to a "medically" full life. Kristen is the youngest member of the ultrasound team at Magee Women's Hospital, who just had a baby of her own, and the technician/nurse that detected "something wrong" with Jackson's heart last Tuesday. So many times...a condition similar to Jackson's is missed on ultrasound - but, Christ worked through the eyes, hands and talent of Kristen to provide (provision) a "medical" option to save His life to the full...and there is great peace that the Spirit is leading us to allow the Glory and Majesty of Christ to be on display through this "experimental procedure"!
So within the next two weeks - the team of doctor's will go in through Kelly's abdomen, into her uterus, into Jackson's chest, into his heart, and into his aorta (which, is the currently about the thickness of a dime) with a needle and attempt to "balloon" open the aortic valve, to regain natural/better flow out of the left ventricle in hopes of creating bi-ventricle circulation.
The greatest risk to Jackson is pre-term delivery during the procedure - in which there would be nothing the doctor's could "medically" do to save his life. Baby's must be at least 5 pounds in order to attempt cardiac surgery...and at 20 -23 weeks - Jackson is no where near strong enough or developed enough to perform a life saving surgery in a pre-term delivery situation. The greatest risk to Kelly is complications during/from the surgery - hemorrhaging, infection, etc.
If the procedure is "technically successful" - Jackson will have bi-ventricle circulation upon full-term delivery in December...where there may be a less serious surgery performed such as a valve replacement, angioplasty, etc - avoiding the very serious "Norwood surgeries" (series of surgeries at 2 days, 2-3 months, and 2-3 years to bypass the left heart - which would collapse before delivery - and use only the right side of the heart to provide blood/oxygen to the lungs and body.
With the decision made to move forward with the experimental procedure...now the prayer turns to "Pittsburgh vs/ Boston". Now...if it were the Pirates vs/ the Red Sox...there is no prayer necessary, as we continue to "trade for talent" here in Pittsburgh! Guess McClouth and Sanchez aren't talented - come on! Sorry...A.D.D kicked in there for a second!
We will no more today in this prayer point: as Children's Hospital in Boston will be reviewing the echo/utrasound reports this afternoon and letting us know their perspective on Jackson and Kelly as a canidate for this procedure.
As for the house/move situation...not so much peace there! Please continue to pray for strength, wisdom, PATIENCE, and clarity in this move! Even though we don't see the path right now...we will continue to obey and follow the leading of the Spirit in this move! We are getting estimates from moving companies in the area, working off the time line that they will finishing packing on Tuesday of next week, load/move on Wednesday (to where - we don't know yet), finish/clean on Thursday, close on the home Friday of next week! Talk about an adventure...can't wait to see the Lord's amusement park in Heaven! Forget a 5-point safety harness...think we will all need at least 10 points - hence the truth found in the FULL armour of God!
So that is the update...and sorry for not getting this out sooner! I know many of you have been "worrying"...but please remember what Christ taught us in Matthew 6: 33-34...“don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ [Where will we live?] These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Again...you have no idea how much your prayers, encouragement, love, support, phone calls, messages, texts, and shoulders to cry on mean to us! And please know that if we don't get back in touch with you right away...that maybe, just maybe the "lights went out" in Pittsburgh - or at least the electricity was turned off for the day! Honestly...the way that you are demonstrating the love, care, and compassion of our Risen Lord and Savior - is awesome and we are so blessed because of His Great Love working in and through you! Please continue to the prayers for Jackson...for Carter and Jordyn...for Kelly and I...for our home...the move...and for peace, strength, wisdom, discernment and clarity as we continue to lean into the Apostle Paul's words: "Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, [we] press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us!" [Philippians 3]
All Eyes on Jesus...
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