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		<title>Sharpening the Axe</title>
		<link>http://ellen5e.com/p/sharpening-the-axe/</link>
		<comments>http://ellen5e.com/p/sharpening-the-axe/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 04 Jan 2012 06:40:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>ellen5e</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Personal Experience]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://ellen5e.com/?p=1314</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This time; like my determination of being more intentional in all the areas of my life, I am taking the time to grab up the axe of action and not just start chopping, but to take the time to grind that axe to a very sharp edge by using the Lord's honing stone to sharpen me "before" I can be used more effectively.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://ellen5e.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Axe-sharpener.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1315" title="Axe-sharpener" src="http://ellen5e.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Axe-sharpener-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a> I like this :  <em>“If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend six hours sharpening my axe”   —Abraham Lincoln</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>I want 2012 to be a milestone of change and it starts now… here… with me “getting my house in order.” So, I am intentionally honing at the first of 2012 in a way that I trust will lead to some serious cutting away of the unnecessary in favor of a sharper, more impactful use of my future. I want to disentangle myself of the “clutter”; simplify and streamline so that I will be more available for what the Lord would direct me to do with my life. Once I get through the tediousness of reorganization I believe I will not only be freed from the space-hogging “stuff” of things and superfluous obligations, but will also free up time which I KNOW can be better spent.</p>
<p>How am I doing it? First, I have gone to greater lengths to seek God&#8217;s will. I am still dedicating daily time to <strong>reading God&#8217;s Word</strong>. I have been blessed by the &#8220;read through the Bible in a year&#8221; discipline for the last three years. Every single time I come to portions where I say &#8220;I don&#8217;t remember ever having read THAT before&#8221;.  I can testify that the Word of God is &#8220;living&#8221; just as  the Scripture itself testifies. It has great power for change. So I am starting year four of reading through it cover to cover on top of my other in-depth studies. After all I cannot &#8220;hide God&#8217;s Word in my heart&#8221; if I don&#8217;t read or hear it.</p>
<p>I further sharpen the axe, so to speak, by <strong>prayer</strong>. This one has become ever more important to me. Almost exactly a year ago, a very dear elderly woman in our church passed away. At her funeral service I was profoundly struck by the number of people that spoke of her as a prayer warrior. It was especially gripping when children and grandchildren testified to finding list upon list in her handwriting of specific prayer requests, with dates of prayer concerns and dates answered or additional updates. This prayer warrior had gone before God&#8217;s throne with concerns and praises of hundreds of people. . . she had interceded in a very actionable way&#8230; naming them specifically (whether dear family member or stranger) . The hundreds of names that this woman left behind and her children found shook my prayer life to its core. &#8220;WHY? Why Ellen, don&#8217;t YOU pray more? What impact are YOU having through prayer?&#8221;</p>
<p>When it comes to praying for others, my method of praying over the years has been more of a series of darts thrown heavenward. I guess because I am visual, I rely heavily on cues to remind me to pray for a certain person. My kitchen faucet is assigned to those who I continue to pray for salvation. My refrigerator door handle reminds me to pray for provision. My bathroom ( medicine cabinets) remind me to pray for those suffering physical needs. Newstime on TV&#8230; lots of prayer cues there, but also reminds me to pray for our government and public servants. When I see an emergency vehicle, traffic accident, obvious suffering, I immediately shoot off another prayer dart. I don&#8217;t mean to belittle this method of praying, but one thing it does NOT do, is it doesn&#8217;t <strong>keep an account</strong> like a prayer journal would do.</p>
<p><strong>So &#8211; - &#8211; I resolved in 2012 to start a prayer journal</strong>. But that left me with the big question of HOW exactly do I DO that?!  I mean, when I was a teenage girl I started a diary (complete with lock and key to keep out nosey siblings) just as many of my friends did. However, inevitably I&#8217;d vow to write in my diary every day, and by early February I&#8217;d miss a day or two. My life just wasn&#8217;t that noteworthy. I&#8217;d feel guilty for missing my entries, then sharpen my resolve and maybe get an addition week or two of entries in a stretch. Next thing you know, I&#8217;d not have another entry for months and that one would be some special event had happened like a family 4th of July gathering or something!</p>
<p>Well, I&#8217;ve decided to walk as a Christian . . . by FAITH.  That faith is not in myself. No way! I<strong> am going to trust in God to give me both the direction AND the strength</strong> to achieve what HE wants me to accomplish. I know that I might fail. uh..strike the word &#8220;might&#8221;. . . I  will fail. Maybe repeatedly. <strong>However, this is NOT all about me. It&#8217;s about Jesus Christ.</strong> It&#8217;s about my wanting to be more like Him; to truly intercede for people on behalf of what has not only current ramifications for the person(s) I am praying for, but everlasting consequences. I truly ache for those who struggle through life without a Savior. I feel that ache as I visualize Jesus outside of Lazarus&#8217; tomb and the gates of Jerusalem crying. So prayer is too important of a privilege for me to take lightly. Not that I was in any way insincere in my &#8220;prayer without ceasing&#8221; method of praying &#8220;darts&#8221; throughout my day, but I need to add something more.</p>
<p>I believe I need to start <em>journaling</em> prayer. It is not going to be easy for me, but I think of the ebenezers that were set as memorial stones of remembrance throughout the Old Testament. These were <em>lasting</em> testimonies to what God had done! So I have consulted a few friends to ask for ANY suggestions on HOW they prayer journal. Any advise at all is welcome. I know it is not a one method fits all proposition. I am handicapped in not having a step by step instruction method before me on this one. However, I believe that I must purpose to do this for the benefit of being able to look back on those lists, all the names, all the prayers and answers to prayers, listing the many praiseworthy &#8220;only by God&#8217;s grace&#8221; occurrences that people explain as miracles, etc.  I think that perhaps this will be a wonderful tool to remind me of God&#8217;s active involvement in our lives.</p>
<p>In regard to prayer. . . the very beginning of 2012 has brought to me a new spiritual discipline as our church has encouraged people to engage in prayer in fasting during the first 40 days of 2012. Not that I have never, ever fasted before. But this time I planned ahead; I took time to prepare for the time of fasting and prayer. All the other times were more like emotionally entering a short time of fasting contemporaneously. This time; like my determination of being more intentional in all the areas of my life, I am taking the time to grab up the axe of action and not just start chopping, but to take the time to grind that axe to a very sharp edge by using the Lord&#8217;s honing stone to sharpen me &#8220;before&#8221; I can be used more effectively.  &#8221;Grind on Master . . . I know there is some shiny metal under all of this rust and if anyone can get to it, You can!&#8221; In the meantime I would much appreciate your prayers as I press myself against the grinding stone that will reshape my future. Likewise, if you have ANY comments about how you handle this area of spiritual development I would be very grateful if you shared them with me.</p>
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<h3  class="related_post_title">Related Posts</h3><ul class="related_post"><li><a href="http://ellen5e.com/p/baby-jonahs-struggle-update/" title="Baby Jonah&#8217;s Struggle Update">Baby Jonah&#8217;s Struggle Update</a></li><li><a href="http://ellen5e.com/p/turning-the-page/" title="Turning the Page ">Turning the Page </a></li><li><a href="http://ellen5e.com/p/1113/" title="Three Months of Struggling">Three Months of Struggling</a></li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Tsunami of Prayer</title>
		<link>http://ellen5e.com/p/tsunami-of-prayer/</link>
		<comments>http://ellen5e.com/p/tsunami-of-prayer/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 12 Mar 2011 09:07:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>ellen5e</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Ministry]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Tsunami]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://ellen5e.com/?p=1094</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As I watched more Earthquake/Tsunami footage, waited and prayed. I also couldn&#8217;t help but ponder about what the Bible has to say about the nature of Holy God. From the very opening words of Scripture it says &#8220;In the beginning God&#8230;&#8221; !  It serves as a great reminder that as modern or technologically sophisticated we [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1082" title="Impact of Prayer copy" src="http://ellen5e.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Impact-of-Prayer-copy-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="161" height="161" /><strong> As I watched more Earthquake/Tsunami footage, waited and prayed. I also couldn&#8217;t help but ponder about what the Bible has to say about the nature of Holy God. From the very opening words of Scripture it says &#8220;In the beginning God&#8230;&#8221; !  It serves as a great reminder that as modern or technologically sophisticated we may believe ourselves to be, man is still the created and God remains the Creator and Sovereign.<br />
</strong></p>
<p><strong>I learned that Japan is frequently esteemed for it&#8217;s disaster readiness. I then contrasted that with the thought that although they may be prepared for an earthquake or other natural disaster are they really ready for their future?</strong></p>
<p><strong>As I spent the entire night without sleep I was fasting in prayer. I thought about how somehow appropriate it was that this was happening during the season of Lent; a time of darkness awaiting the coming light. I drew many analogies to what was happening in Japan and our attempts in my city, state, county and nation for building a Christian Emergency Network. This being a group of people who serve the community during times of distress by not only helping meet their physical needs, but also addressing their spiritual needs. Disasters come and go, but the power of the Gospel is an everlasting deliverance.</strong></p>
<p><strong>I literally had hours to focus on what God was doing in the Midnight Hours!! At this time when I would normally have been asleep for hours and not even known about what was happening on the other side of the world I was having a study in the impact of prayer.</strong></p>
<h4><strong><span style="color: #000000;">WHY? Isn&#8217;t that often the question at such times as this?</span></strong></h4>
<p><strong>Why am I really up now? Do I not trust that God has everything under control? Am I grotesquely &#8220;rubber necking&#8221; at the images playing out in the footage from the other side of the world? I had to really pray &#8220;search my heart oh Lord, and let me know if there is any wicked way in me. Reveal any sin in me so that I may repent and be in good standing with you and with others.&#8221; I know the importance of coming into His presence with a clean heart so that I would not be offensive to Him. I want my time of prayer and seeking God to be one of communion in a sweetness that grows my relationship with Him as I long to learn more about God and how to be transformed into a more accurate image of who He created me to be.</strong></p>
<p><strong>After I addressed these concerns I was better able to focus on reaching out over the world-wide web to people with news as it was happening live. This is a passion of mine; communication through using visual new media in order to take people I may never have met and be able to encourage and equip them. &#8220;Coming alongside&#8221; also meaning &#8220;to comfort&#8221;  the Greek word <em>paraklesis</em> &#8212; the very act of doing life &#8220;together&#8221; is what the church is called to do I believe. The &#8220;Helper&#8221; that Jesus said He was going to send when He went away was the Holy Spirit &#8212; the <em>paraklete</em>. I get so stirred up with the Holy Spirit at such times that it is like this Tsunami Wave crossing the Pacific&#8230;it&#8217;s traveling great distances at high speed (500 &#8211; 700 m.p.h.) and is anticipated to have an impact!</strong></p>
<p><strong>WHAT IS A TSUNAMI?</strong></p>
<p><strong>Being from the land-locked Midwest United States, many of the people I live around haven&#8217;t a clue what a Tsunami is. Therefore, I thought I would use this short little clip to help explain:<a href="http://ellen5e.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Wave-generation-characteristics-recession-inundation.mov">Wave-generation-characteristics-recession-inundation</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>So a Tsunami is generated by a sudden shock. It is NOT a gigantic wave but is more like a surging high tide in fast motion. Out at sea where the ocean floor is so deep there may be no little elevation of a &#8220;wave&#8221; detectable. However, as the Tsunami wave reaches the shoreline and shallower ocean floor, the elevation of the wave will increase. In fact, as Tsunami is nearing the shore, a sudden very outgoing tide may signal the impending trouble soon to follow. Just as it is often &#8220;darkest before the dawn&#8221;; it is often an extremely fast outgoing low tide tsunami tide feeder right before the incoming high tsunami tide comes surging in.</strong></p>
<p><strong>We saw that principle at work after the New Orleans flooding disaster a few years back. Tremendous loss of life and property, a very dark time for many people and their communities. Then, just as God always does &#8230; the light of goodness comes shining thru. God&#8217;s light doesn&#8217;t just trickle in either, it FLOODS in to overtake the darkness. How does God do this? Through prayer.  Don&#8217;t you see? We are given the awesome honor of being able to join in a concert of prayer! Today, with our connectivity through the internet and mobile devices, more than ever we are able to reach out at any time of day or night and say &#8220;here I am,&#8221; &#8220;I am here with you,&#8221; and &#8220;let&#8217;s pray.&#8221; Isn&#8217;t that exciting?</strong></p>
<p><strong>One of my favorite songs talks refers to the story in the Bible where Jesus halted the raging storm with a word. Some of the lyrics say, &#8221; sometimes he calms the storm, other times he calms the child.&#8221; That is to say, when we go through these &#8220;storms&#8221; of troubles, as I pray for God to &#8220;stop the storm,&#8221; but IF I am praying according to His will, I think I will pray like Jesus did in Gethsemene before He went to die to take on punishment for sins He never committed. . . &#8220;Father please let this cup pass from me, nevertheless, not MY will, but THINE be done.&#8221; </strong></p>
<p><strong>It seems so often that when I have prayed this way for others God either changes their situation to a more acceptable/comfortable one OR God causes such growth through both the person and me that I then see the &#8220;why&#8221; more clearly. When I still don&#8217;t see the &#8220;why&#8221; I firmly stand on &#8220;His ways are higher than my ways&#8230; I am His child always and forever&#8230; He loves me and will only do what is best for me.&#8221; And that goes for any of my brothers and sisters in the Lord as well.</strong></p>
<p><strong>UPDATE:</strong></p>
<p><strong>My friend in Maui reports that they had only about six foot waves and had a photo on his FaceBook page from their hotel where there were a couple of people actually out in the rough surf. That is not smart. In fact, upper California or Oregon had a person or two swept out and lost at sea for such foolish activity. Another analogy for those who will not heed a warning and believe &#8220;it&#8217;s not that bad&#8221; or &#8220;it doesn&#8217;t apply to ME&#8221;.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Santa Barbara, I waited as long as I could before writing this post, but Sue had not called me back so I found out through an online source that the beaches had been closed along the California coast as a precaution. However, they just warned people in the marina, and told swimmers and surfers to remain out of the water until the all-clear is given. </strong></p>
<p><strong>So no harm done to either of the places and people that I was praying fervently for all night long. That is, those that I already knew. However, my prayers are continuing for the people of Japan!! There have been reports of hundreds, but I suspect more like thousands of deaths. Plus I keep going back to the thought of the ripping hearts of the mothers and thier babies separated, unable to communicate. Also the myriads of people who are stuck without transportation walking towards there homes; not knowing if their homes are even there. Remember, it is also very COLD! There are some emergency shelters, but those will be full and stretched in resources. Families are certainly separated, unable to locate one another. Are they safe? God only knows ! </strong></p>
<p><strong>Therefore, I will continue the tsunami wave of prayer for the relief and rescue efforts that are no doubt underway even now. I am exhausted! I have been up for nearly 2 solid nights now. However, since I have posted this, I am going to be able to get to sleep knowing that God is at work in all this. </strong></p>
<p><strong>As mighty as the power of that earthquake was, and as devastating as the resulting waves of destruction across Japan &#8211; God Himself is the ALL-Mighty who never sleeps nor slumbers. It is night now, I must sleep. I will do so with the glorious hope of the approaching light of a brighter tomorrow!</strong></p>
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<h3  class="related_post_title">Related Posts</h3><ul class="related_post"><li><a href="http://ellen5e.com/p/historical-disaster-tsunami-of-prayer/" title="Historical Disaster &#8211; Tsunami of Prayer">Historical Disaster &#8211; Tsunami of Prayer</a></li><li><a href="http://ellen5e.com/p/a-scary-surgery-tuesday/" title="A Scary Surgery Tuesday">A Scary Surgery Tuesday</a></li><li><a href="http://ellen5e.com/p/baby-jonah-and-family/" title="Baby Jonah and Family">Baby Jonah and Family</a></li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Hope for Jonah</title>
		<link>http://ellen5e.com/p/hope-for-jonah/</link>
		<comments>http://ellen5e.com/p/hope-for-jonah/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 28 Feb 2011 22:15:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>ellen5e</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Baby Jonah]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Val]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://ellen5e.com/?p=989</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It has been a rough week praying for baby Jonah and family after receiving word that the doctors believed he was going to pass away due to his body not being able to get enough oxygen on its own. Although I prayed for a miracle, the later it got in the week without any news, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.seeklogo.com/images/D/Dancing_Snoopy-logo-954BE67ED8-seeklogo.com.gif"><img alt="" src="http://www.seeklogo.com/images/D/Dancing_Snoopy-logo-954BE67ED8-seeklogo.com.gif" title="Snoopy Dance" class="alignnone" width="200" height="200" /></a>It has been a rough week praying for baby Jonah and family after receiving word that the doctors believed he was going to pass away due to his body not being able to get enough oxygen on its own. Although I prayed for a miracle, the later it got in the week without any news, the more I must admit that I was afraid to get the email that said Jonah had passed on. Oh, shame on my lack of faith for God delivered good news!</p>
<p>Here is the update from the Silverbergs:</p>
<blockquote><p>Dear Praying Family,<br />
 <br />
The head surgeon met with his team and believes that the fatal prognosis is premature. He believes that what was seen on the tests may just be the scar tissue from the surgically attached pulmonary veins.We are thankful to the Lord. We believe the many prayers have made a big difference. Thank you so very much.<br />
  <br />
The surgeon also believes that the large stent placed into the aorta is delivering to much blood to the lungs. Remember, Jonah has only one pumping chamber, so blood is delivered to the body and the lungs from the same place. They are now giving Jonah medication to increase his heart output. Surgery was considered and ruled out, for now. They are also overfeeding him to try to get him to grow. A trach tube is also being considered. For now, there is continued life. We are happy and relieved. There are still many problems that must be overcome if he is to live. Our visit to Woodlawn Cemetery is now off the&#8221;to do&#8221;list for today.<br />
  <br />
Last week was a very rough week for us.We are so thankful to you for your prayers. I have not been able to e-mail many of our supporting churches, as when I searched for an e- mail address, I could not find one for many of our supporting churches, other had changed, and we don&#8217;t know to what, others had mail returned as undeliverable. Could you please get the word out to your church that we need the e- mail address, as we covet the prayers of our supporting churches. Right now, I simply do not have the time to be on the phone, esp. for many phone calls. My priority is the Lord, my family, and the ministry.<br />
   <br />
In Christ&#8217;s Love,<br />
Marty for Val</p></blockquote>
<p>So, friends this is great news! The fact that there is such a promising prognosis following a formerly grim one brought to my mind the following thoughts. &#8220;God will make a way where there seems to be no way.&#8221; It reminds me that God specializes in the impossible! </p>
<h3  class="related_post_title">Related Posts</h3><ul class="related_post"><li><a href="http://ellen5e.com/p/jonahs-family-struggles-too/" title="Jonah&#8217;s Family Struggles Too">Jonah&#8217;s Family Struggles Too</a></li><li><a href="http://ellen5e.com/p/exploring-for-answers/" title="Exploring for Answers">Exploring for Answers</a></li><li><a href="http://ellen5e.com/p/jonah-another-surgery/" title="Jonah: another Surgery">Jonah: another Surgery</a></li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Don&#8217;t Know What to Say (Pray)</title>
		<link>http://ellen5e.com/p/dont-know-what-to-say-pray/</link>
		<comments>http://ellen5e.com/p/dont-know-what-to-say-pray/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 24 Feb 2011 06:34:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>ellen5e</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Baby Jonah]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[critical]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[encourage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Heart]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jonah]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[prayer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Silverberg]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[terminal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Val]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Veins]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://ellen5e.com/?p=977</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Remember, you are even saying SOMETHING with "I don't know what to say." &#60;3]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> <img src="http://ellen5e.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Baby-Jonah-Shower-of-Prayers-234x250.jpg" alt="" title="Baby Jonah Shower of Prayers" width="234" height="250" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-819" />I was about to go to bed when I checked my inbox one more time and received this sad news relating to Baby Jonah!</p>
<p>Here is what Marty wrote:</p>
<blockquote><p><em>Dear Praying Family,<br />
 <br />
Tests revealed Jonah&#8217;s Pulmonary veins, those that were rerouted 7 weeks ago and attached to his heart, are collapsing. Thus, when off the ventilator, he cannot breathe.<br />
Doctors told Val that it is only a matter of time before they completely collapse, and he will die.<br />
 <br />
How much time is not known.<br />
 <br />
We still hold out hope. We hope the surgeon who did the operation will still have one more option to try.<br />
 <br />
We hope the Lord will have one more miracle for us.<br />
 <br />
Thank you for your continued prayers.<br />
 <br />
In Christ&#8217;s Love,<br />
Marty for Val<br />
</em></p></blockquote>
<p>Now I am wide awake in prayer for this dear family. The three siblings have not really been able to spend much time at all with Jonah. Marty and Val have been going through ongoing anguish of watching their littlest child struggle to overcome incredible health hurdles. With the latest prognosis, the Silverbergs need our encouragement all the more.</p>
<p>As for my reaction to this traumatic news? &#8220;Wow&#8221;! Two months young, and this tiny baby has been through so very much. Looking back at all the postings I&#8217;ve done of his status updates doesn&#8217;t really allow us to appreciate the magnitude of the challenges faced, nor the intensity of the prayers offered up on Jonah&#8217;s behalf.</p>
<p>And as variable as our concerns and prayers have been, there is one thing that slows down the inevitable emotional roller-coaster of such an on-going trial. That one thing is not really a &#8220;thing&#8221; at all &#8230;rather&#8230;a person. Additionally the term &#8220;person&#8221; cannot adequately even describe the absolutely awesome God who holds all things in existance. The Almighty has never once turned away from what is happening here. </p>
<p>Our mortal minds are not even capable of understanding &#8220;why&#8221; God allows certain things that seem so awful to happen, yet there is this &#8220;surpassing peace&#8221; that remains. God&#8217;s grace to us amidst our darkest trials remains &#8230; We cling to the steadfast truth of God&#8217;s Word which is His way of revealing Himself to us. </p>
<p>GOD IS LOVE !  As such, He is the very essence of love. He loves us more than we can fathom. I cherish that knowledge!! At such a time as this I rely on that fact to help me trust that as observers of Baby Jonahs gigantic struggles, I believe God protects that tiny body from some of the pain we believe he is feeling. I can pray for God&#8217;s will and not my own to be done, because my request for something might accidentally not be in the best interest of Jonah or his family. </p>
<p>Therefore, as difficult as it is to know how to pray&#8230; As much as I want to encourage Marty, Val and their family after being told that Jonah will most likely not survive this &#8212; I realize that saying &#8220;I don&#8217;t know WHAT to say,&#8221; is actually a profound utterance.</p>
<p>It admits to myself, to the subjects of my concern and prayers, as well as to The Almighty to whom I direct those prayers, &#8220;I have no power here. I would like everything to be fine, but I am incapable of doing anything but rely on the foundation of my faith&#8230;God Himself!</p>
<p>One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Romans 8:26-27 that says:<br />
 <em>26 In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;<br />
 27and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.</em></p>
<p>I think that is so comforting!! Even when I can&#8217;t find the words, God even provides the interpretations of my groanings into an eloquent petition before The Sovereign God!! Amazing! Then there is the often quoted twentyeighth verse:</p>
<p> <em>28And we KNOW that God causes ALL things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.</em> {emphasis added}</p>
<p>This does assure me that things that seem to me to be &#8220;bad&#8221; may actually be viewed in a different perspective. It is like in the Book of Genesis in the Bible when Joseph stated to his brothers years after they sold him into slavery, &#8220;what you meant as harm, God intended for good&#8221;. </p>
<p>These are just some of the thoughts that I wanted to share with you as I am praying about this entire situation that the Silverbergs are in. My heart aches for Little Jonah and his entire family (even the medical staff who are battling right alongside him). But, I am only human and want to wave a wand to make everything fine. I try to &#8220;make sense of it all&#8221;. However, I realize that is vanity and chasing after wind. After all: what person could comprehend the ways of The Almighty?</p>
<p>Therefore, I offer you Beloved this:<br />
I do not know what to say. Yet, I will proclaim that God is Love and has His best in store for them. And those <strong>&#8220;them&#8221; is us</strong> (those of us who have confessed &#038; repented of our sins and applied the saving grace that God freely gives to all who will believe in the Redeemer Jesus Christ)!</p>
<p>One last thing&#8211;<br />
Would YOU (yes YOU) please take a moment to share from your heart in the comment section whatever you feel led to write. I believe God can use YOU and ME to use this opportunity to display some of God&#8217;s love to our brothers and sisters.</p>
<p>Remember, you are even saying SOMETHING with &#8220;I don&#8217;t know what to say.&#8221; &lt;3</p>
<h3  class="related_post_title">Related Posts</h3><ul class="related_post"><li><a href="http://ellen5e.com/p/jonahs-family-struggles-too/" title="Jonah&#8217;s Family Struggles Too">Jonah&#8217;s Family Struggles Too</a></li><li><a href="http://ellen5e.com/p/looking-for-breath/" title="Looking for Breath">Looking for Breath</a></li><li><a href="http://ellen5e.com/p/feel-the-pain-baby/" title="Feel The Pain Baby">Feel The Pain Baby</a></li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Persevering and Prayer</title>
		<link>http://ellen5e.com/p/persevering-and-prayer/</link>
		<comments>http://ellen5e.com/p/persevering-and-prayer/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 24 Feb 2011 04:23:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>ellen5e</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Baby Jonah]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HEALTH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Prayer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spirit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[baby]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[breathe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[byEllen5e]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Heart]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jonah]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[prayer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Silverberg]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Val]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://ellen5e.com/?p=972</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[First, I must tell you that this didn&#8217;t get posted sooner because of some events that curtailed my blogging for a few days. However, I want to post a little out of sequence to make sure prayer partners know what has been happening. Here is what the Silverbergs wrote: Dear Praying Family,   Thank you [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>First, I must tell you that this didn&#8217;t get posted sooner because of some events that curtailed my blogging for a few days. However, I want to post a little out of sequence to make sure prayer partners know what has been happening.</p>
<p>Here is what the Silverbergs wrote:</p>
<blockquote><p><em>Dear Praying Family,<br />
 <br />
Thank you again for your Love and prayers on our behalf.<br />
 <br />
Jonah was taken off the ventilator last night. He couldn&#8217;t breathe on his own. He was put back on the ventilator. Please pray for him to be able to breathe on his own soon. We disagree w/ the decision to pull out his breathing tube so soon after a major surgery.<br />
We wish the doctors didn&#8217;t do this. Taking out the tube and the putting back in was very stressful for Jonah. We think this will set back the recovery.<br />
Jonah also has an infection in the stomach wound. Any infection for this little baby is extremely dangerous. Please keep praying for Jonah.<br />
 <br />
Naomi Rider, our friend and helper form Indian Lake NY will be leaving early Wed. morning. She has been a huge blessing.<br />
Val is very concerned w/ leaving Jonah all alone every nite. We have someone we can pay a few times a week, for a little while.<br />
 <br />
Please pray for me. I have been in massive pain. I believe it is from not being able to do my rehab exercises even once a week.<br />
Also sleep deprivation and being on my feet for so many hours every day these past 8 weeks.<br />
 <br />
Val was kind to allow me to do a quick 1 1/2 hour rehab session in the makeshift gym I set up in the basement. I usually hurt pretty bad afterward. However, I followed the workout w/ 1 1/2 hours of snow shoveling today. I did the sidewalk, the driveway, dug out our vehicles, the sidesteps for the dogs, then redug out the vehicles from ice that the plows plowed them in with, twice. Also, the neighbors put 4 foot of snow in front of my car, which must move for alternate side tomorrow, so I had to long toss that. I hurt. I believe Jonah hurts a lot worse.<br />
Thanks so much for your prayers.<br />
 <br />
Jonah will be 8 weeks old on the 22nd.<br />
 <br />
In Christ&#8217;s Love,<br />
Marty for Val</p>
<blockquote></blockquote>
<p></em></p></blockquote>
<h3  class="related_post_title">Related Posts</h3><ul class="related_post"><li><a href="http://ellen5e.com/p/jonahs-family-struggles-too/" title="Jonah&#8217;s Family Struggles Too">Jonah&#8217;s Family Struggles Too</a></li><li><a href="http://ellen5e.com/p/a-scary-surgery-tuesday/" title="A Scary Surgery Tuesday">A Scary Surgery Tuesday</a></li><li><a href="http://ellen5e.com/p/hope-for-jonah/" title="Hope for Jonah">Hope for Jonah</a></li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Looking for Breath</title>
		<link>http://ellen5e.com/p/looking-for-breath/</link>
		<comments>http://ellen5e.com/p/looking-for-breath/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 23 Feb 2011 21:53:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>ellen5e</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Baby Jonah]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HEALTH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Prayer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spirit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[baby]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[breathe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[critical]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Heart]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jonah]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[prayer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[procedure]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Silverberg]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Val]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://ellen5e.com/?p=969</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I just received another update on Baby Jonah Silverberg, who is the critically ill infant (less than 2 months old) son of missionaries in the Bronx. Jonah is STILL having difficulty breathing so they will be doing a procedure today. Here is the update: Dear Praying Family, Thank you again for your prayers, they mean [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I just received another update on Baby Jonah Silverberg, who is the critically ill infant (less than 2 months old) son of missionaries in the Bronx. Jonah is<strong> STILL having difficulty breathing</strong> so they will be doing a procedure today.</p>
<p>Here is the update:<img class="size-medium wp-image-950 alignright" title="Breathe" src="http://ellen5e.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Breathe-250x147.jpg" alt="" width="154" height="90" /></p>
<blockquote>
<div><em><span style="color: #000000;">Dear Praying Family,</span></em></div>
<div><em><span style="color: #000000;">Thank you again for your prayers, they mean so very much to us.</span></em></div>
<div><em><span style="color: #000000;">Today, Jonah is supposed to undergo a procedure. He will have a catheter inserted into a vein in his leg and a camera will go up to look inside his heart.</span></em></div>
<div><em><span style="color: #000000;">The Doctors find nothing wrong with Jonah&#8217;s lungs, therefore they think something may be wrong in the heart. They are looking for a cause as to why Jonah cannot breathe on his own.</span></em></div>
<div><em><span style="color: #000000;">We are grateful to the Lord for your prayers and support.</span></em></div>
<div><em><span style="color: #000000;">In Christ&#8217;s Love,</span></em></div>
<div><em><span style="color: #000000;">Marty</span></em></div>
</blockquote>
<div>I am unsure as to the time this is being performed, but am asking you to join me in prayer for definitive answers and wise direction for the medical care of Little Jonah.</div>
<h3  class="related_post_title">Related Posts</h3><ul class="related_post"><li><a href="http://ellen5e.com/p/jonahs-family-struggles-too/" title="Jonah&#8217;s Family Struggles Too">Jonah&#8217;s Family Struggles Too</a></li><li><a href="http://ellen5e.com/p/dont-know-what-to-say-pray/" title="Don&#8217;t Know What to Say (Pray)">Don&#8217;t Know What to Say (Pray)</a></li><li><a href="http://ellen5e.com/p/hopeisspringingforthforbabyjonah/" title="Hope is Springing Forth for Baby Jonah ">Hope is Springing Forth for Baby Jonah </a></li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Prayer &amp; Encouragement Needed Here</title>
		<link>http://ellen5e.com/p/prayer-encouragement-needed-here/</link>
		<comments>http://ellen5e.com/p/prayer-encouragement-needed-here/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 18 Feb 2011 22:27:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>ellen5e</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Baby Jonah]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HEALTH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Prayer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spirit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[baby]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[critical]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Heart]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[insides]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jonah]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[prayer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Silverberg]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Val]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://ellen5e.com/?p=963</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Wow! I just received the update on Baby Jonah Silverburg&#8217;s exploratory surgery of yesterday. Remember, this little baby is only 52 days old!  I was shocked to hear of all the findings, but relieved that they were able to address specific needs with immediate surgical intervention. Here is what the Silverbergs wrote: Dear Praying Family, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Wow! I just received the update on Baby Jonah Silverburg&#8217;s</p>
<div id="attachment_967" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 127px"><img class="size-full wp-image-967" title="Snoopy_woodstock-bighug-smlr" src="http://ellen5e.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Snoopy_woodstock-bighug-smlr1.jpg" alt="" width="117" height="150" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Big Hug - c C.Schultz</p></div>
<p>exploratory surgery of yesterday. Remember, this little baby is only 52 days old!  I was shocked to hear of all the findings, but relieved that they were able to address specific needs with immediate surgical intervention.</p>
<p>Here is what the Silverbergs wrote:</p>
<blockquote>
<div><em>Dear Praying Family,</em></div>
<div><em>Jonah is recovering from his surgery yesterday.</em></div>
<div><em>Two sections of his large intestine had to be removed.</em></div>
<div><em>These sections had been destroyed because of oxygen</em></div>
<div><em>depletion probably during the last episode of cardiac arrest.</em></div>
<div><em>The intestine was resectioned.</em></div>
<div><em>Also, his appendix was removed as it had attached to the large intestine at a wrong location.</em></div>
<div><em>Also, the small intestine had become attached to the liver, and it was separated.</em></div>
<div><em>The Liver is in the wrong place, as are his intestines.</em></div>
<div><em>The spleen was searched for, and it indeed is missing. This means Jonah will be on antibiotics for the rest of his life.</em></div>
<div><em>Thank you for your continued prayers.</em></div>
<div><em>In Christ&#8217;s Love,</em></div>
<div><em>Marty for Val</em></div>
</blockquote>
<p><span style="color: #0000ff;">As I read the above news I could not help but recall Psalm 139:14 that says,<br />
</span></p>
<h4><span style="color: #0000ff;"> &#8220;I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.&#8221;</span></h4>
<p>As mixed-up as this little boys insides would appear to us in relation to what <em>should</em> be where and how it <em>should</em> function &#8230; Jonah has been <em>knit together in this unique way</em>. God knows it all!  Despite what seems like impossible odds of living with such variations to his body, little Jonah is being a living testimony to what God can do in even the darkest-appearing circumstances.</p>
<p>It never ceases to amaze me; our Sovereign God chooses to use the weak and frail things to show His greatest glory. Surely, little Jonah, and his missionary family with their own challenges are being used greatly!</p>
<p>Especially with the abundance of discoveries made in this last surgery, I am praising God for His provision of good surgeons and hospital care for little Jonah. God has placed him in a hospital where these specific needs can be addressed. Do you know how amazing that alone is? However, this also shows a great deal of struggle in the future for this family who is already so worn down. May God&#8217;s love and peace flood their spirit. We pray not because we intend to &#8220;change God&#8217;s mind,&#8221; but as we love our brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ, we hurt when they hurt and we rejoice when they rejoice. We are called as a loving body to uphold one another in Christian love, and how it pleases God that we prayer for one another.</p>
<p>It would mean a lot to them if you could leave them some encouragement. Even to just let them know that you are praying for them. Please leave a comment below and I will make sure it&#8217;s attached for them. Rather than flood their email, I will attach it to the posts.</p>
<h3  class="related_post_title">Related Posts</h3><ul class="related_post"><li><a href="http://ellen5e.com/p/hopeisspringingforthforbabyjonah/" title="Hope is Springing Forth for Baby Jonah ">Hope is Springing Forth for Baby Jonah </a></li><li><a href="http://ellen5e.com/p/god-of-power-god-of-details/" title="God of Power; God of Details">God of Power; God of Details</a></li><li><a href="http://ellen5e.com/p/jonahs-family-struggles-too/" title="Jonah&#8217;s Family Struggles Too">Jonah&#8217;s Family Struggles Too</a></li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Exploring for Answers</title>
		<link>http://ellen5e.com/p/exploring-for-answers/</link>
		<comments>http://ellen5e.com/p/exploring-for-answers/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 17 Feb 2011 17:36:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>ellen5e</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Baby Jonah]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HEALTH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Prayer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spirit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[baby]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[byEllen5e]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[critical]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[explore]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Heart]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jonah]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[prayer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Silverberg]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[surgery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Val]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://ellen5e.com/?p=956</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There has been an important change regarding Baby Jonah&#8217;s surgery today. His operation is going to be much more invasive as the surgeons are going to explore his insides to assess his organs while also getting a method established for his food to stay down. Here is the note from the Silverbergs: Thu, 17 Feb [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://ellen5e.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Baby-Jonah-Shower-of-Prayers-150x150.jpg" alt="" title="Baby Jonah Shower of Prayers" width="150" height="150" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-819" />There has been an important change regarding Baby Jonah&#8217;s surgery today. His operation is going to be much more invasive as the surgeons are going to explore his insides to assess his organs while also getting a method established for his food to stay down.</p>
<p>Here is the note from the Silverbergs:</p>
<blockquote><p> Thu, 17 Feb 2011<br />
<em>Dear Praying Family,<br />
The situation has changed. Jonah will be having exploratory surgery today. They will open up the stomach area to see what is causing the problem as he cannot eat and keep the food down. They will look for constrictions and obstructions. They will look to see where his liver is and search again for his spleen.If all goes well, they will insert a feeding tube in his stomach.That means an opening in the abdomen and in the stomach. We are very concerned for bleeding, infection, and overall stress. Please pray that he will not have another cardiac arrest. This is a lot for this little baby. Jonah is 51 days old today. We are all not doing that well.  Thank you for your prayers.<br />
In Christ&#8217;s Love,<br />
Marty for Val</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p>This poor baby; His tiny little body has already been through so much. Let us pray that this surgery will yield a better undrstanding of his needs as well as be successful in establishing a good method of nourishment. May the stress of the surgery &#038; risk of infection be kept from impacting his recovery, all to God&#8217;s glory!</p>
<p>This dear family; they&#8217;ve had there heart&#8217;s torn as they watch their baby suffer such major trials. Torn between their children at home who want their baby brother home and well. The uncertainties of what will be discovered by today&#8217;s operation probably weighs very heavily on them right now!</p>
<p> So I ask you to join me in entering into this situation through prayer. That there is great hope beyond the trials. That we together may enter into the fellowship of Christ&#8217;s sufferings as brothers and sisters who are drawn more intimately into relationship with our Lord and Savior and His Body. Knowing that James 1:12 is true; there is a crown set aside in the future for those who endure.</p>
<p>Finally, may the peace that surpasses all we can even ask for be upon this dear family as we surround them with our prayers with the heart of God.</p>
<h3  class="related_post_title">Related Posts</h3><ul class="related_post"><li><a href="http://ellen5e.com/p/jonah-another-surgery/" title="Jonah: another Surgery">Jonah: another Surgery</a></li><li><a href="http://ellen5e.com/p/a-scary-surgery-tuesday/" title="A Scary Surgery Tuesday">A Scary Surgery Tuesday</a></li><li><a href="http://ellen5e.com/p/jonahs-family-struggles-too/" title="Jonah&#8217;s Family Struggles Too">Jonah&#8217;s Family Struggles Too</a></li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Feeding Tube Move</title>
		<link>http://ellen5e.com/p/feeding-tube-move/</link>
		<comments>http://ellen5e.com/p/feeding-tube-move/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 Feb 2011 22:52:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>ellen5e</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Baby Jonah]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HEALTH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Prayer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spirit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[baby]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[breathing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[byEllen5e]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[feeding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jonah]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Silverberg]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tube]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[update]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Val]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://ellen5e.com/?p=953</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I just received this update from the Silverbergs regarding Baby Jonah who remains in critical care. Dear Praying Family, Jonah will be undergoing a procedure tomorrow [Feb. 17] to insert a feeding tube into his intestine and remove the tube from his stomach. Doctors believe this may help w/ breathing problem. Thank you again for [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I just received this update from the Silverbergs regarding Baby Jonah who remains in critical care.</p>
<blockquote>
<div><em>Dear Praying Family,</em></div>
<div><em>Jonah will be undergoing a procedure tomorrow [Feb. 17] to insert a feeding tube into his intestine and remove the tube from his stomach.</em></div>
<div><em>Doctors believe this may help w/ breathing problem.</em></div>
<div><em>Thank you again for your continued prayers.</em></div>
<div><em>In Christ&#8217;s Love,</em></div>
<div><em>Marty for Val</em></div>
</blockquote>
<div>Please remember to keep this little boy in your prayers.</div>
<h3  class="related_post_title">Related Posts</h3><ul class="related_post"><li><a href="http://ellen5e.com/p/1113/" title="Three Months of Struggling">Three Months of Struggling</a></li><li><a href="http://ellen5e.com/p/jonahs-family-struggles-too/" title="Jonah&#8217;s Family Struggles Too">Jonah&#8217;s Family Struggles Too</a></li><li><a href="http://ellen5e.com/p/needing-to-breathe/" title="Needing to Breathe">Needing to Breathe</a></li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Needing to Breathe</title>
		<link>http://ellen5e.com/p/needing-to-breathe/</link>
		<comments>http://ellen5e.com/p/needing-to-breathe/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 Feb 2011 01:30:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>ellen5e</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Baby Jonah]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HEALTH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Prayer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spirit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[baby]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[breathe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[breathing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[byEllen5e]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[critical]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Heart]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jonah]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pray]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Silverberg]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Val]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://ellen5e.com/?p=946</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hello friends, I just received word from the Silverburgs that baby Jonah is having difficulties breathing. Here is their update: Dear Praying Family,   Thank you again so very much for your faithful prayers on this long and difficult journey.  Jonah could not breathe sufficiently on his own yesterday, so he was not taken off [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Hello friends, I just received word from the Silverburgs <img class="alignright size-full wp-image-950" title="Breathe" src="http://ellen5e.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Breathe.jpg" alt="" width="154" height="90" />that baby Jonah is having difficulties breathing. Here is their update:</p>
<blockquote><p><em>Dear Praying Family,                 Thank you again so very much for your faithful prayers on this long and difficult journey.   Jonah could not breathe sufficiently on his own yesterday, so he was not taken off the ventilator.  When it was turned off, his CO2 levels rose significantly, so he was left on the machine.  He was also throwing up.  There is now some question as to whether he will ever be able to breathe on his own.Talk of a tracheotomy as well.  Please pray that he will be able to breathe without the aid of a machine.Overall, we are thankful he is alive.  We hope and pray for things to get easier for him soon.  Thank you again.</em></p>
<p><em>In Christ&#8217;s love,<br />
Marty for Val</em></p></blockquote>
<p>I am praying that this little fellows lungs will grow strong enough to  get off of the machine for good and that his vomiting subsides quickly. The longer he is tied to the machine, the harder it will be to wean him off of it.</p>
<p>Also, I am praying for Baby Jonah&#8217;s family&#8230; they have been on this long roller-coaster of ups and downs, the siblings and the parents having to be separated from him in these early weeks of his life is a great burden on them all.</p>
<p>It would be especially beneficial if you would take a moment and &#8220;comment&#8221; encouragement to them. We are the Body of Christ and called to love one another. If there is a word that you feel lead to give them, this would be a good place to do so.</p>
<p>For me&#8230; I tend to draw my strength from music and especially Christian music. And as a visual artist I also think in pictures. Right now, Dear Marty and Val&#8230; I visualize little Baby Jonah being held close by Jesus  and you with Him at his side singing &#8220;Jesus, Jesus, Lord to me; Master, Savior, Prince of Peace; Ruler of my heart today, Jesus Lord to Me&#8221;. . .&#8221; and &#8220;Draw Me Close to You; never let me go&#8230;&#8221;. These two songs are some of my favorite to sing like a lullaby while rocking with a baby.</p>
<p>Although I wouldn&#8217;t wish such heartache through these trials, I do know that God is there with all of you. I just pray that you are comforted by His presence.</p>
<p>God is the Air that I breathe&#8230; and over the next few days, as I draw my breaths, I will be reminded to think of little Baby Jonah and ask God&#8217;s grace to show unto you.</p>
<h3  class="related_post_title">Related Posts</h3><ul class="related_post"><li><a href="http://ellen5e.com/p/jonahs-family-struggles-too/" title="Jonah&#8217;s Family Struggles Too">Jonah&#8217;s Family Struggles Too</a></li><li><a href="http://ellen5e.com/p/hope-for-jonah/" title="Hope for Jonah">Hope for Jonah</a></li><li><a href="http://ellen5e.com/p/dont-know-what-to-say-pray/" title="Don&#8217;t Know What to Say (Pray)">Don&#8217;t Know What to Say (Pray)</a></li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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