Clara Elyse Murphy, Day of life 16
Yesterday my friend and coworker, who recently spent time in the UNC NICU with her son Hudson (and is still very much in the throws of it all), sent this to me.
"Great little devotion this morning. Could not help but think of friends who are on a similar NICU journey". Marcy
"Trees of Righteousness"
September, 23
Pursuing MORE Of Jesus
That they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
Isaiah 61:3, NKJV
When I was growing up in the mountains of North Carolina, every Sunday afternoon, weather permitting, my parents, my siblings, and I would go hiking. Inevitably, our climbs would take us to the ridge where the trees were so enormous we could all hold hands and still not be able to encircle the trunks. When I asked my mother why the trees were so much larger on the ridge than anywhere else, she replied that it was because the winds were the strongest and the storms were the fiercest on the ridge. With nothing to shelter the trees from the full brunt of nature's wrath, they either broke and fell, or they became incredibly strong and resilient.
God plants you and me in our faith as tender saplings then grows us up into "trees of righteousness," using the elements of adversity to make us strong. And He leads us to endure, not just somehow, but triumphantly as we choose to praise Him, regardless of the storms swirling within us or the winds howling outside of us.
"Trees of Righteousness"
September, 23
Pursuing MORE Of Jesus
That they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
Isaiah 61:3, NKJV
When I was growing up in the mountains of North Carolina, every Sunday afternoon, weather permitting, my parents, my siblings, and I would go hiking. Inevitably, our climbs would take us to the ridge where the trees were so enormous we could all hold hands and still not be able to encircle the trunks. When I asked my mother why the trees were so much larger on the ridge than anywhere else, she replied that it was because the winds were the strongest and the storms were the fiercest on the ridge. With nothing to shelter the trees from the full brunt of nature's wrath, they either broke and fell, or they became incredibly strong and resilient.
God plants you and me in our faith as tender saplings then grows us up into "trees of righteousness," using the elements of adversity to make us strong. And He leads us to endure, not just somehow, but triumphantly as we choose to praise Him, regardless of the storms swirling within us or the winds howling outside of us.
Clara has hit another "little bump" yesterday and today. She is having respiratory issues. She had some bradys this morning. They think her vent tube was again really plugged up with mucus, but they also did a chest xray and found no issues with a collapsed lung or pneumonia. PRAISE. They are treating her for an infection, as possibly a reason for the bradys. However we will not know if an infection caused the episode for another two days. But they are treating it anyway and will discontinue if it turns out it is not an infection. She has calmed down, so they will leave her alone for today and see how it goes.
I have not been able to hold her yesterday or today and have done no care times today. Which I understand.
I really thought something was off with her yesterday because she was hiving lots of low o2 rates, and I left worried. So today makes sense. She also had her third transfusion today for her anemia.
She does continue to be on full feeds and is tolerating that great.
She does continue to be on full feeds and is tolerating that great.
I have read the devotion above several times, and I have prayed without cease that I can become this strong and resilient for Clara and my family.
Please pray for her today or tonight
3 comments:
We are praying without ceasing for Clara, you, Jas, and Madeline. Hang in there ya’ll are doing great! Love you, Don, Doo, Lily and Edie
Always praying! You never know how strong you are until strong is all you have. Let us know if you need anything. -Brooke
Hope Clara and the rest of the Murphys have a wonderful Wednesday. I love reading your posts; I've been sharing some of the devotions with my best friend. Her dad was killed about two weeks ago unexpectedly (he was hit by a car). Clara, herself and through you, are touching lives you probably even know about. So, between all the chaos and sadness, there are signs of God using her for his work. I have faith Clara will keep progressing - she's got a purpose for being on this Earth. Love you guys, and can't wait to meet Clara! - cousin Morgan
Post a Comment