Before I begin, I want to send a big congrats to Dr. Mascio and his family as he and his wife welcomed their new daughter to this world this morning.
My great friend and pastor at Great Oaks Ministries, Troy Long, has continuously prayed the words Supernatural Progress. Well...this morning I believe we have seen results. The cardio team is quite surprised by the past 24 hours and could not be more pleased. Luke's lungs are looking much better as the fluid is leaving his body. They are also seeing blood flow through the pulmonary veins, which is something that we have asked people to specifically pray for.
Dr. Austin's words last week were along the lines of not giving him a chance, or very pessimistic, but today, he clearly says that he is cautiously optimistic. That is a sweet song to a mommy and daddy. Luke is taking small steps up this large mountain, but he is a fighter!
Leah Hayes text me late last night and told me I better sing The Blood to Luke before the doctors came in this morning. So...when I entered his room this morning, I leaned down to his little ear and we worshiped together.
The Blood Will Never Lose It's Power - Crystal Lewis
VERSE 1
The blood that Jesus shed for me, way back on Calvary;
It's that blood that gives me strength from day to day,
It will never lose its power.
CHORUS
It reaches to the highest mountain. it flows to the lowest valley.
The blood that gives me strength from day to day,
It will never lose its power.
-- Benson
VERSE 2
It soothes my doubts and calms my fears, it dries all my tears.
The blood that gives me strength from day to day,
It will never lose its power.
As Luke climbs from the valley to the mountain, God is the same! He will never leave you or forsake you and He will hold strong to His promises! Here is another song that speaks about the presence of our God:
God on the Mountain - The McKamey's
VERSE 1
Life is easy when you're up on the mountain
And you've got peace of mind like you've never known.
But then things change and you're down in the valley.
Don't lose faith for you're never alone.
CHORUS
For the God on the mountain is still God in the valley.
When things go wrong, He'll make it right.
And the God of the good times is still God in the bad times.
The God of the day is still God in the night.
VERSE 2
You talk of faith when you're up on the mountain.
Oh but the talk comes easy when life's at its best.
But it's down in the valley of trials and temptation
That's when faith is really put to the test.
Luke has some very big tests coming up this week. In just a few minutes, his oxygen support through the ECMO will be turned down and his lungs will be tested to see if they can support themselves. Every doctor has said they do not expect this to go well today and just want to get a measure so they can set goals for his lungs. I go to a Higher Power and claim that Luke's little lungs will experience Supernatural Progress as the Lord receives glory and praise for His work. I praise Him ahead of time for the work that He has already started! So...here is something specific to pray for...great blood flow through the lungs! Pray that in the name of Jesus!
In addition, we still need more fluid to drain...so pee Luke pee! The BIG mountain is still the pulmonary veins, and even though they saw blood flow there this morning, they need to grow. I serve a God who created the entire universe...He is great at making veins! Pray for the growth of the pulmonary veins in Jesus name!
The rest of the day Kristin and I will sit here next to our son anxiously awaiting all the reports from the oxygen levels. While we sit, we will pray for our son, but our hearts are in prayer for a few more specific families as well. Join me in praying for my great friend Sarah Gardner, you can read her story here: www.caringbridge.org/visit/sarahgardner, our new friend Rhyan Beverly, you can read her story here: www.caringbridge.org/visit/rhyanbeverly, and our friend Crystal Wright as she delivers her beautiful baby boy today!
We serve an amazing God, and since I am on a song kick today I will leave you with one more:
Our God - Chris Tomlin
VERSE
Water You turned into wine, opened the eyes of the blind
There’s no one like You, none like You
Into the darkness You shine, out of the ashes we rise
There’s no one like You, none like You
CHORUS
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God
BRIDGE
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
What can stand against?
Holy Spirit, dwell in Luke's room. Bring the touch of Jesus, and expose Yourself through Supernatural Progress!
-- Benson
Your little Luke and each of you are in my prayers. I have been reading your blog daily and it is wonderful to see the strong faith you have in the Lord. Our God is an awesome God.
ReplyDeletePraying for your sweet baby. As heart parents, we learn very quickly how we have no control over ANYTHING with our babes and our reliance on God is EVERYTHING! Our attitudes and minds transform when we keep Him at the forefront. Your faith is inspiring and your blog is wonderful to read. Keeping you in our prayers...hang in there!
ReplyDeleteHugs from a fellow heart mom,
Katie, Maddie's mom (HRHS)
allredbabygirl.blogspot.com
Thank you so much for sharing your story, and for letting God's light shine through you.
ReplyDeleteKristin, Benson
ReplyDeleteThis is great news!!! Pee, Luke, pee! and heal, heal, heal!
Joan
New to your blog and wanted to say YAY GOD for His awesome power! I will continue to believe for DIVINE ACCELERATION in Luke's progress! Keep your chins up - because your dad is the Great Physician and He loves to do miracles!
ReplyDeleteKristin, Benson,
ReplyDeleteThis is great NEWS!!! I check your blog every few hours. I am praying for little Luke and for you. God hears and answers prayers.Keep the faith, God is our miracle worker! God Bless you all.
Benson and Kristin,
ReplyDeleteThis is great news! You have prayers coming up from Bowling Green!
-Dana Cosby-Simmons
Thank you for continually updating about Luke's progress. Your family and baby Luke are constantly on my mind and in my prayers. So happy to hear good news!!
ReplyDeleteBenson and Kristin,
ReplyDeleteI was told about your story by my friend, Laura Highbaugh. Laura is married to Michael Highbaugh - your friend, Sarah's cousin. This morning I have read much of your blog, and God has truly blessed my heart through your story. Luke is just beautiful, by the way!
On September 11, 2007, my baby girl, London, was born with HLHS. Unfortunately, London did not survive the Norwood. There were unforseen complications during surgery. I do not say that to discourage you because there are so many children doing wonderfully with HLHS, and I anticipate a wonderful future for Luke!!
As I read your posts, I find myself being taken back to my own experiences...the anticipation, the hopes, the fears, etc. As hard as this is, I do know - just as you know - that God has a plan for Luke and he has HLHS for a reason. It's seems so unfair when it's your baby, but as a complete outsider, I can tell that God is already using you 3 to do wonderful things. Your faith in Him is evident, and He is working in the life of your precious son. Thank you for sharing your story. I will be praying for Luke as he continues to recover, and for you as you persevere during this challenging time.
You can find much of our story at our blog, www.fourplusanangel.blogspot.com or contact me any time at ashlee.tomes@hardin.kyschools.us.
Sincerely,
Ashlee Tomes
"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil; plans to give you a future and a hope." ~ Jeremiah 29:11
Benson and Kristen, We have been following your story. We continue to pray for your strength and the healing of your little Luke. We understand how hard it is to fight for your child when you hands are tied and you can only wait upon the Lord. You both have an amazing resolve. As a fellow Christian I am proud of your faith. The Psalmist has said “When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted.” May God continue to be with you as your persevere.
ReplyDeleteUnder His grace and in His service.
Mike Moon
Hello, I must tell you that when l saw the picture of Luke it made me cry,but God is a healer,he can do anything but fell,a by his stripe we proclaim healing and that everything in his life will line up with AGods Devine plan for his life, we pleed the Blood of Jesus right now amen....Be Bless And Jesus Name
ReplyDeleteMay GOD with Luke & the whole family, just believe in HIM & HE will get you through this test. Love Monica Mohamed
ReplyDelete