Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Here's a quote from my devotional today "A grateful heart protects you from negative thinking. Thankfulness enables you to see the abundance I {Jesus} shower upon you daily" (from devotional: Jesus Calling)
Somedays it is easier to be thankful than others...but the word says to be thankful in ALL circumstances...not just when everything is great. Here are some things I am very thankful for..things that help me focus on good...not the circumstance:
-Liam slept awesome last night. Thankful.
-Today, Liam picked up cheerios-on HIS OWN- from his highchair tray and ate them. Thankful.
-Today, Liam picked up his sippy cup, and drank from it, ON HIS OWN..until it was almost gone. He did this morning and evening. Thankful.
-Today, Liam grabbed his spoon and let me put yogurt on it, and he brought it to his mouth and ate it ON HIS OWN...he ate almost half of it. Thankful.
-My son is alive. Thankful.
-I have a husband that loves me and I am in love with him. Thankful.
-We have a little boy to be born in a couple months...whom we love already. Thankful.
-I have family and friends and people who don't even know us...support us like crazy with prayer. Thankful.
-I have a savior who died for me and who loves for me and cares for me (and for everyone:) VERY THANKFUL.
Prayer Targets:
-Despite all the amazing things we saw Liam do today...he had TERRIBLE withdrawls all day today from his patch being taken off last night...He was irriatable, did NOT nap all day, very grumpy. But we saw such good things with the patch off...so we are praying that his behavior was just withdrawls and not the nuerostorming (that is why he was wearing the patch to begin with). Please pray for withdrawl symptoms to be GONE so that he can sleep well tonight and have a great day tomorrow!
-Please pray and believe with us for a COMPLETE RESTORATION for our Liam..we give you the glory Jesus for all you've done so far and are still doing! Thankful.
-Please pray for continued health for our family.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
A Great Day of Cheerios:)
Night Post:
Epheisians 3:16-21 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
updates:
Liam didn't sleep well last night (tummy hurt?) and a bit of a crabby morning...but there were some good points!
-God continues to give us peace that only HE can give through something like this and a peace that HE is going to take care of and heal our Liam
-Liam ate a whole ton of cheerios today...yes, solid food cheerios:) You should've seen how excited the therapists were for this (and of course his mom and dad:) He drank 3 ounces of juice from a sippy cup. Go baby go!! Get that tube out
-Liam is officially off all sedative medications...he only has his seizure med left and his sodium med.
-the deaf/blind specialist gave us some good insight on tips to help communicate with Liam and how to create structured routines for him (those of you that know me know that this is right up my alley!:) I get this strong sense that she is a Christian as she said she is praying for him to be healed. She was pretty impressed with the abilities he showed while she watched all his afternoon therapies.
Overwhelmed (and overjoyed:) of the ammount of being being called to pray for our family...we keep getting encouraged with stories from our friends, family, and people we don't even know who love and are praying for our sweet little boy. God's is doing great things and great things to come...I feel it. I believe it.
Prayer Targets:
-Complete healing.
-Eyes to see Ears to hear
-Keep making huge strides in eating
-continued peace and comfort for Liam
-Therapies to go well
-For Liam to get plenty of rest tonight
-safety for all family traveling
"Remember the wonders HE has done!" Psalm 105:5
Epheisians 3:16-21 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
updates:
Liam didn't sleep well last night (tummy hurt?) and a bit of a crabby morning...but there were some good points!
-God continues to give us peace that only HE can give through something like this and a peace that HE is going to take care of and heal our Liam
-Liam ate a whole ton of cheerios today...yes, solid food cheerios:) You should've seen how excited the therapists were for this (and of course his mom and dad:) He drank 3 ounces of juice from a sippy cup. Go baby go!! Get that tube out
-Liam is officially off all sedative medications...he only has his seizure med left and his sodium med.
-the deaf/blind specialist gave us some good insight on tips to help communicate with Liam and how to create structured routines for him (those of you that know me know that this is right up my alley!:) I get this strong sense that she is a Christian as she said she is praying for him to be healed. She was pretty impressed with the abilities he showed while she watched all his afternoon therapies.
Overwhelmed (and overjoyed:) of the ammount of being being called to pray for our family...we keep getting encouraged with stories from our friends, family, and people we don't even know who love and are praying for our sweet little boy. God's is doing great things and great things to come...I feel it. I believe it.
Prayer Targets:
-Complete healing.
-Eyes to see Ears to hear
-Keep making huge strides in eating
-continued peace and comfort for Liam
-Therapies to go well
-For Liam to get plenty of rest tonight
-safety for all family traveling
"Remember the wonders HE has done!" Psalm 105:5
Thursday, February 23, 2012
48 Days
Night Post:
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
We have been in Sioux Falls 48 days now. We are still choosing to believe. We are still clinging to HIS promises and HIS word...we are still praying without ceasing for God to heal our little boy...
Liam had an AWESOME morning. For one, Liam slept through the night finally! Before I came back to the hospital from the RMDhouse (Casey stays with Liam), I prayed for a breakthrough in therapy and for just something good to happen today. I walk into Liam's room and I see Liam sitting on Casey's lap and they were "reading" a touch and feel book together. Liam was feeling on the pages and helping turn the pages. This alone made my heart happy:) Then all his morning therapies went awesome.
Speech Therapy: Liam took a couple of sips from a sippy cup! Of which he could hold on his own. He also ate his first solid food (baby step but huuuuuge deal) he ate a few small pieces of oatmeal bread. Chewed it very well! soooo exciting. He got some kind of food on his face when she was feeding him and it made Liam upset so she gave him the wash cloth and he wiped his own mouth off:)
PT: Liam continued to take good steps
OT: She always helps dress him in the morning to get Liam to help get dressed and undressed. He usually HATES taking his shirt on and off since we've been here..Like screaming hates it. well today she helped take his arms out of the sleeves and he grabbed the shirt with both hands and tried taking it off himself--like it was no big deal! yea Liam:)
Prayer requests:
-Please pray for people to continue to pray for Liam and to come to Jesus.
-Please pray for more huge gains in therapy. We need him sitting on his own without screaming. We need him to eat more of a variety of foods before they will even consider decreasing his feedings. We need that as a next step to get the tube out! Pray for him to drink a lot and eat a lot. Please pray that he will actually enjoy walking too...I think we are getting closer to that one. We are moving his feedings to a highchair tomorrow (verses the chair he used before)...please pray that he will be more independent in eating and of course motivated (they have to 'trick' him into thinking he's doing stuff on his own because if you try to force him to hold a spoon or sippy cup on his own he throws a fit and will refuse)
-Blind/deaf specialists comes in tomorrow
Liam is blind and deaf. This is such a scary time for him and is so hard to watch everyday him struggle so much. No 2year old should ever have to go through this-especially not my baby. It may seem impossible for him to be healed...but good thing we believe and serve a God where anything is possible.
Thank you Jesus for being with us every step of the way...we don't understand all that is happening to us-and to be honest don't like it. But we are trusting you and your word, we are believing for a complete healing, and we know you have a plan for us and we know you can and are using this for good! Use us!
Psalms 73. Sometimes I think trying to do the right thing and be close to God is a waste of time. Other ppl that arent are fine kids are good and there is no problems. Well there is prize for us beyond what this world has to offer.....gotta keep my chin up remember why I'm here.
Today Liam did awesome in therapy! He got his first solid food and chewed it up like a champ! He also used a sippy cup without assistance!
He still needs prayer for his eyes, ears and his crabbiness! But we are believing he will recover and we know Jesus is with him! Keep praying
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
We have been in Sioux Falls 48 days now. We are still choosing to believe. We are still clinging to HIS promises and HIS word...we are still praying without ceasing for God to heal our little boy...
Liam had an AWESOME morning. For one, Liam slept through the night finally! Before I came back to the hospital from the RMDhouse (Casey stays with Liam), I prayed for a breakthrough in therapy and for just something good to happen today. I walk into Liam's room and I see Liam sitting on Casey's lap and they were "reading" a touch and feel book together. Liam was feeling on the pages and helping turn the pages. This alone made my heart happy:) Then all his morning therapies went awesome.
Speech Therapy: Liam took a couple of sips from a sippy cup! Of which he could hold on his own. He also ate his first solid food (baby step but huuuuuge deal) he ate a few small pieces of oatmeal bread. Chewed it very well! soooo exciting. He got some kind of food on his face when she was feeding him and it made Liam upset so she gave him the wash cloth and he wiped his own mouth off:)
PT: Liam continued to take good steps
OT: She always helps dress him in the morning to get Liam to help get dressed and undressed. He usually HATES taking his shirt on and off since we've been here..Like screaming hates it. well today she helped take his arms out of the sleeves and he grabbed the shirt with both hands and tried taking it off himself--like it was no big deal! yea Liam:)
Prayer requests:
-Please pray for people to continue to pray for Liam and to come to Jesus.
-Please pray for more huge gains in therapy. We need him sitting on his own without screaming. We need him to eat more of a variety of foods before they will even consider decreasing his feedings. We need that as a next step to get the tube out! Pray for him to drink a lot and eat a lot. Please pray that he will actually enjoy walking too...I think we are getting closer to that one. We are moving his feedings to a highchair tomorrow (verses the chair he used before)...please pray that he will be more independent in eating and of course motivated (they have to 'trick' him into thinking he's doing stuff on his own because if you try to force him to hold a spoon or sippy cup on his own he throws a fit and will refuse)
-Blind/deaf specialists comes in tomorrow
Liam is blind and deaf. This is such a scary time for him and is so hard to watch everyday him struggle so much. No 2year old should ever have to go through this-especially not my baby. It may seem impossible for him to be healed...but good thing we believe and serve a God where anything is possible.
Thank you Jesus for being with us every step of the way...we don't understand all that is happening to us-and to be honest don't like it. But we are trusting you and your word, we are believing for a complete healing, and we know you have a plan for us and we know you can and are using this for good! Use us!
Psalms 73. Sometimes I think trying to do the right thing and be close to God is a waste of time. Other ppl that arent are fine kids are good and there is no problems. Well there is prize for us beyond what this world has to offer.....gotta keep my chin up remember why I'm here.
Today Liam did awesome in therapy! He got his first solid food and chewed it up like a champ! He also used a sippy cup without assistance!
He still needs prayer for his eyes, ears and his crabbiness! But we are believing he will recover and we know Jesus is with him! Keep praying
NEW MOST RECENT UPDATES
Feb. 19
Matthew 14:29-31 "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
At the beginning, when we were in the ICU, these verses helped me a lot. How quickly I forget, as the "wind" gets stronger and it gets harder to go on, I take my eyes off of Jesus and I sink, and sink fast. Jesus help me to focus on you and your words and your promises...'catch me by the hand' and forgive me for my doubt. Please be strong for me when I am weak
Night Update:
I'm back:) A few days of feeling sorry for us and being depressed are over...the devil has taken enough--we can't give him our hope and faith and will--I refuse to. I know I can speak for my husband as well on this one. Pray with us in faith friends, for God to do the impossible. If we believe in HIS word then we know God is our healer, our comfort, our ALL. I certainly didn't choose this for our life, but I am choosing to trust in GOD no matter what happens. Thank you for those of you who have been praying for Casey and I specifically for doubt that we let creep in...I know I felt your prayers...God answered them. "He reached down from on high and took hold of me; HE drew me out of deep waters." Psalm 18:16 (thanks Amber for always 'versing' me when I need it most:)
Liam has not been sleeping well at night and then wanting to sleep all day. Today the therapists needed to meet with Liam 1 hour total each (3 hours). I made sure he was up for everyone of them and am happy to announce that he survived and was up for all 3 different hours:) I let him take his regular 3 hour afternoon nap and a couple of short cat naps...so here's to hoping/praying for a good night sleep for him tonight!!!
Good news for the day (I'm going to make sure I post at least one of these a night from now on:) Liam finally took a small drinks of juice from a cup--this is a big deal and the first time since this whole thing happened! Praising God for that...
Prayer requests: Sleep for Liam tonight, for Liam to continue to EAT EAT EAT and DRINK DRINK DRINK and get that annoying tube out of him!! Please pray for him to not cry through physical therapy and to maybe even enjoy it...and of course the miracle we are crying out for many many many times a day "Lord...PLEASE restore our son to perfect health in the name of Jesus...Allow his eyes to see and his ears to hear...please! We give you all the glory and again thank you for all you have done so far and all that you are going to do!!"
Feb. 20
Night Post: Praises: my hubby made it back safe (icy/snowy roads) and we get to all be together for a few days...I love that man and am thankful for him:) Liam completed all his therapies (grumpy during them but at least awake). Liam slept steady till 4 in the morning...that doesnt sound good but is progress! fun part-during his bath Liam took the wash cloth and tried to wash his hair and leg like he used to-more signs of 'Liam' showing through. *b4 bed we got to hang out together as a family...Liam seemed very content. When we put him in his crib he usually goes right to sleep..well tonight Liam felt our hands and faces and could tell us apart...he was happy and trying to chat...words that were clear "momma" "no" "dad" "go away (casey was tickling him..haha)" and we both thought he said "put it on" when he took off my bracelet and was trying to put it on him. So thankful for signs tht keep popping up that Liam's personality is trying to come out...and he remembers us:) *thankful for confirmation of healing from prayers and words that were given to us in a time tht we needed to hear ... prayer requests: safe travels for family, for Liam's brain to keep healing, for more joyful moments, for liam to not get so upset during PT, for him to eat,and of course please believe and pray with us for a complete healing and reatoration! Love you Jesus...Lord, please continue to call your people to prayer!!
Feb. 21
*Night Post*
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11
-Peace today...a peace only God can give in a place/situation like this. God is with us, he has a plan-"a plan to prosper us and not to harm us a plan to give us hope and a future" God's not done with our boy...he has a plan for that sweet lil man and I for one am very excited to see how that plan unfolds:)
-another pretty good day for Liam...trying more foods (didn't say he liked them but he is trying them:) he pretty much likes fruits.
-taking awesome steps with the therapists today...they have been trying new strategies to help him feel more safe while walking (kinda scary for him since he can't see or hear) and it seemed to help today...he cried the whole time but not panicky crying or screaming mad crying. At one time he took 22 solid steps in a row! (he puts his hands on her shoulders and she walks backwards on her knees and holds him up a little by his chest) She said yesterday he was walking 25% on his own and today she said he was walking more than 50% on his own:) Go baby Go!
-Liam will be meeting with a deaf and blind specialist possibly tomorrow or the next day to work with him alongside of the therapists. I have heard she is very excited to meet and work with Liam...I am too--to help make this time easier for him (until of course his healing is complete:)
Prayer Requests:
-continued faith and belief for Liam's restoration
-eyes to see and ears to hear
-Complete healing for his brain
-comfort for Liam during all this...
-health and safety for our family
-Pray against doubt, fear, and worry
Thank you Jesus for being with my family. Thank you for drawing people closer to you through all this! Please use this situation for your Glory!
Feb. 22
Night post: Thankful stuff~ thankful for peace today...peace only God can give..without it I seriously would be a complete disaster and mess. Thankful for the good report from Liam's 'sodium' doct appt today...God is good. Thankful for the oatmeal Liam ate for breakfast ...he ate pretty good in general today. thankful Liam took steps today (with some help being held up) without hardly crying at all today!! *they are going to get Liam a walker type thing soon...not saying he can't walk on his own someday but since he seems to need the security of having someone right there because of his sight/hearing loss, it should be a good transition...*Blind and deaf specialist comes Friday and Monday to observe therapists to help come up with plans and to assist-so excited for this. **Prayer targets** -for Liam to eat a variety of food asap-for Liam to not freak out while working on sitting-for health for our family- for a happy positive day tomorrow-and the best for last: a complete restoration for our lil Liam:) God please use us and this situation to bring people to you! Thank you Jesus for calling your people to prayer! we love you.
From Liam's Daddy:
i know i have been off here for a few days....Liam had a great day today in therapy. he ate alot and was generally in a good mood! Liam started his day off sleeping with daddy for a few hrs in the am...he then woke up laughing and we played for awhile before they fed him!
James 5:7-20. I prayed today and asked for a word from him. I know I probably read these verses recently but I was told to read James 5 specifically. Well guess what God told me to be patient as the farmer is waiting for his crops..... So I am going to be patient no matter how much my heartbreaks no matter how painful and hard this is I have decided to be patient. I can't change anything except through the power of Christ. Keep praying.
Matthew 14:29-31 "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
At the beginning, when we were in the ICU, these verses helped me a lot. How quickly I forget, as the "wind" gets stronger and it gets harder to go on, I take my eyes off of Jesus and I sink, and sink fast. Jesus help me to focus on you and your words and your promises...'catch me by the hand' and forgive me for my doubt. Please be strong for me when I am weak
Night Update:
I'm back:) A few days of feeling sorry for us and being depressed are over...the devil has taken enough--we can't give him our hope and faith and will--I refuse to. I know I can speak for my husband as well on this one. Pray with us in faith friends, for God to do the impossible. If we believe in HIS word then we know God is our healer, our comfort, our ALL. I certainly didn't choose this for our life, but I am choosing to trust in GOD no matter what happens. Thank you for those of you who have been praying for Casey and I specifically for doubt that we let creep in...I know I felt your prayers...God answered them. "He reached down from on high and took hold of me; HE drew me out of deep waters." Psalm 18:16 (thanks Amber for always 'versing' me when I need it most:)
Liam has not been sleeping well at night and then wanting to sleep all day. Today the therapists needed to meet with Liam 1 hour total each (3 hours). I made sure he was up for everyone of them and am happy to announce that he survived and was up for all 3 different hours:) I let him take his regular 3 hour afternoon nap and a couple of short cat naps...so here's to hoping/praying for a good night sleep for him tonight!!!
Good news for the day (I'm going to make sure I post at least one of these a night from now on:) Liam finally took a small drinks of juice from a cup--this is a big deal and the first time since this whole thing happened! Praising God for that...
Prayer requests: Sleep for Liam tonight, for Liam to continue to EAT EAT EAT and DRINK DRINK DRINK and get that annoying tube out of him!! Please pray for him to not cry through physical therapy and to maybe even enjoy it...and of course the miracle we are crying out for many many many times a day "Lord...PLEASE restore our son to perfect health in the name of Jesus...Allow his eyes to see and his ears to hear...please! We give you all the glory and again thank you for all you have done so far and all that you are going to do!!"
Feb. 20
Night Post: Praises: my hubby made it back safe (icy/snowy roads) and we get to all be together for a few days...I love that man and am thankful for him:) Liam completed all his therapies (grumpy during them but at least awake). Liam slept steady till 4 in the morning...that doesnt sound good but is progress! fun part-during his bath Liam took the wash cloth and tried to wash his hair and leg like he used to-more signs of 'Liam' showing through. *b4 bed we got to hang out together as a family...Liam seemed very content. When we put him in his crib he usually goes right to sleep..well tonight Liam felt our hands and faces and could tell us apart...he was happy and trying to chat...words that were clear "momma" "no" "dad" "go away (casey was tickling him..haha)" and we both thought he said "put it on" when he took off my bracelet and was trying to put it on him. So thankful for signs tht keep popping up that Liam's personality is trying to come out...and he remembers us:) *thankful for confirmation of healing from prayers and words that were given to us in a time tht we needed to hear ... prayer requests: safe travels for family, for Liam's brain to keep healing, for more joyful moments, for liam to not get so upset during PT, for him to eat,and of course please believe and pray with us for a complete healing and reatoration! Love you Jesus...Lord, please continue to call your people to prayer!!
Feb. 21
*Night Post*
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11
-Peace today...a peace only God can give in a place/situation like this. God is with us, he has a plan-"a plan to prosper us and not to harm us a plan to give us hope and a future" God's not done with our boy...he has a plan for that sweet lil man and I for one am very excited to see how that plan unfolds:)
-another pretty good day for Liam...trying more foods (didn't say he liked them but he is trying them:) he pretty much likes fruits.
-taking awesome steps with the therapists today...they have been trying new strategies to help him feel more safe while walking (kinda scary for him since he can't see or hear) and it seemed to help today...he cried the whole time but not panicky crying or screaming mad crying. At one time he took 22 solid steps in a row! (he puts his hands on her shoulders and she walks backwards on her knees and holds him up a little by his chest) She said yesterday he was walking 25% on his own and today she said he was walking more than 50% on his own:) Go baby Go!
-Liam will be meeting with a deaf and blind specialist possibly tomorrow or the next day to work with him alongside of the therapists. I have heard she is very excited to meet and work with Liam...I am too--to help make this time easier for him (until of course his healing is complete:)
Prayer Requests:
-continued faith and belief for Liam's restoration
-eyes to see and ears to hear
-Complete healing for his brain
-comfort for Liam during all this...
-health and safety for our family
-Pray against doubt, fear, and worry
Thank you Jesus for being with my family. Thank you for drawing people closer to you through all this! Please use this situation for your Glory!
Feb. 22
Night post: Thankful stuff~ thankful for peace today...peace only God can give..without it I seriously would be a complete disaster and mess. Thankful for the good report from Liam's 'sodium' doct appt today...God is good. Thankful for the oatmeal Liam ate for breakfast ...he ate pretty good in general today. thankful Liam took steps today (with some help being held up) without hardly crying at all today!! *they are going to get Liam a walker type thing soon...not saying he can't walk on his own someday but since he seems to need the security of having someone right there because of his sight/hearing loss, it should be a good transition...*Blind and deaf specialist comes Friday and Monday to observe therapists to help come up with plans and to assist-so excited for this. **Prayer targets** -for Liam to eat a variety of food asap-for Liam to not freak out while working on sitting-for health for our family- for a happy positive day tomorrow-and the best for last: a complete restoration for our lil Liam:) God please use us and this situation to bring people to you! Thank you Jesus for calling your people to prayer! we love you.
From Liam's Daddy:
i know i have been off here for a few days....Liam had a great day today in therapy. he ate alot and was generally in a good mood! Liam started his day off sleeping with daddy for a few hrs in the am...he then woke up laughing and we played for awhile before they fed him!
James 5:7-20. I prayed today and asked for a word from him. I know I probably read these verses recently but I was told to read James 5 specifically. Well guess what God told me to be patient as the farmer is waiting for his crops..... So I am going to be patient no matter how much my heartbreaks no matter how painful and hard this is I have decided to be patient. I can't change anything except through the power of Christ. Keep praying.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Stay Strong
Updates on Liam from his parents:
"Summon your Power O God, show us your strength as you have done before."
Psalm 68:28
Philippians 4:6-7 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Night Post:
-Another sleepy day...we continue to chart his sleep patterns and they may be giving him some sleep meds at night to get Liam back to sleeping through the night and being up most the day besides his nap.
-Liam did pretty good at his therapies today...He was only met with once by each therapist today since it was the weekend.
-Tomorrow Liam will be hit hard with therapies...we will see how that goes...hoping (praying)for a good therapy day!
-they made Liam 'walk' a lot today
Prayer Targets:
-Please BELIEVE with us and pray pray pray pray for a complete healing for our boy...God is our only hope. Pray for a miracle for his eyes, ears, and mind!!!
-Pray for all his therapies tomorrow...that he will be awake and ready to go. (and not cry so much...it breaks my heart even though i know he needs it)
-Please pray that he sleeps well tonight so he is well rested
-please pray that he enjoys eating and will eat a ton tomorrow during speech so we can get that tube out of his nose!!!!!!!!
--Please thank God with us that he spared our son:)
Matthew 14:29-31 "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
At the beginning, when we were in the ICU, these verses helped me a lot. How quickly I forget, as the "wind" gets stronger and it gets harder to go on, I take my eyes off of Jesus and I sink, and sink fast. Jesus help me to focus on you and your words and your promises...'catch me by the hand' and forgive me for my doubt. Please be strong for me when I am weak
James 5:7-20. I prayed today and asked for a word from him. I know I probably read these verses recently but I was told to read James 5 specifically. Well guess what God told me to be patient as the farmer is waiting for his crops..... So I am going to be patient no matter how much my heartbreaks no matter how painful and hard this is I have decided to be patient. I can't change anything except through the power of Christ. Keep praying.
"Summon your Power O God, show us your strength as you have done before."
Psalm 68:28
Philippians 4:6-7 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Night Post:
-Another sleepy day...we continue to chart his sleep patterns and they may be giving him some sleep meds at night to get Liam back to sleeping through the night and being up most the day besides his nap.
-Liam did pretty good at his therapies today...He was only met with once by each therapist today since it was the weekend.
-Tomorrow Liam will be hit hard with therapies...we will see how that goes...hoping (praying)for a good therapy day!
-they made Liam 'walk' a lot today
Prayer Targets:
-Please BELIEVE with us and pray pray pray pray for a complete healing for our boy...God is our only hope. Pray for a miracle for his eyes, ears, and mind!!!
-Pray for all his therapies tomorrow...that he will be awake and ready to go. (and not cry so much...it breaks my heart even though i know he needs it)
-Please pray that he sleeps well tonight so he is well rested
-please pray that he enjoys eating and will eat a ton tomorrow during speech so we can get that tube out of his nose!!!!!!!!
--Please thank God with us that he spared our son:)
Matthew 14:29-31 "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
At the beginning, when we were in the ICU, these verses helped me a lot. How quickly I forget, as the "wind" gets stronger and it gets harder to go on, I take my eyes off of Jesus and I sink, and sink fast. Jesus help me to focus on you and your words and your promises...'catch me by the hand' and forgive me for my doubt. Please be strong for me when I am weak
James 5:7-20. I prayed today and asked for a word from him. I know I probably read these verses recently but I was told to read James 5 specifically. Well guess what God told me to be patient as the farmer is waiting for his crops..... So I am going to be patient no matter how much my heartbreaks no matter how painful and hard this is I have decided to be patient. I can't change anything except through the power of Christ. Keep praying.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
ALL RAPID CITY TEAM LIAM- HELP NEEDED
We are trying to get meals set up for Casey while he is in Rapid City having to work, as Sandy and Liam are still in Sioux Falls getting therapy. Please contact me and let me know if you can and I can let you know the available dates. He is needing meals on Fridays, Saturdays, Sunday. This family needs us to continue to pray and support them.
Please email me if you can at mattambertaranto@yahoo.com
THANK YOU!!!!
Please email me if you can at mattambertaranto@yahoo.com
THANK YOU!!!!
Continuing to Believe and Pray for Liam
3/16/12 Night Post:
"This place is trying to break my belief, my faith is bigger than all I can see. What I need is redemption, what I need is for you to put me back on my feet..." lyrics from a song my hubby reccomended me to listen tonight as he heads back to Sioux Falls
Before I give the Liam updates here is a verse for tonight:
Mark 11:22-24 “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Doubt has been trying so hard to creep in the more I am here and the more I see Liam struggle. What I take from this verse, if we truly believe the Word is the inspired words of God, then we need to truly believe that God is not done with Liam and not only is God capable of healing Liam's eyes and ears but He IS going to heal them. ...the WORD says, "Whatever you ASK for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." I'm choosing to believe that, and asking the Holy Spirit to help me where I am weak. Thank you Jesus for your word.
Updates:
*Swallow test went well praise God.
That is about all I really have to update you on. Liam sleeps a lot. The docs are starting to track how much he's been sleeping to make sure that they don't need to change something to help. As of now, they believe it is a combination of healing time, tired from therapy, medicines wearing off, and cordisone levels that they are working on getting back to normal (those are out of wack from all the steriods they had him on for his throat awhile back).
-Prayer Targets-
*For his Eyes to see and his ears to hear (please Jesus hear our cry!!!!!!!!) .
*For Liam to not cry and be upset or scared anymore during his therapies
*For Liam to be more awake except for the times he needs to sleep to heal.
*For Liam to be more consistant in eating food and for him to consistantly enjoy eating so we can get him eating enough to get that tube out!!
*Wisdom for his doctors, therapists, and nurses.
*To keep my husband safe as he travels back home and for protection for him at his job. Also, for safety of all family that comes out to help/visit.
Again: I can't begin to thank all of you who repost my updates and all of you who pray daily for our family. May God bless you all! Thank you Jesus for another day.
3/17/12
Night post: Liam was a little more awake today...speech therapy hasn't really been going well ...he fights eating (which is frusterating to watch since he was doing awesome and loved it) he needs to keep trying to eat or that tube isnt going to come out. Physical therapy is going pretty decent; Liam is able to sit on his own with a little support for balance (he could do it on his own but he gets too mad/upset) he went from a supported kneeling to initiating moving his leg up to stand up (with support of course) standing practice turned into him initiating more steps...I just pray that he could enjoy his therapies...he improves daily in PT but cries almost the whole time. got a lot of mommy and Liam play time and cuddle time so that was nice:) He was also happy to see Grandma and Papa today...playing and making happy noises trying to talk. **prayer targets** complete restoration, eyes to see, ears to hear, comfort during therapy, for him to eat lots, and prayer for us to stay focused completely on Jesus and his Word! Thank you Jesus for our boy and for saving him...we will worship while we wait!
From Liam's Daddy:
Gen 22. Now this is morbid story and I don't completely understand why God did this. However it shows us that if we completely turn a situation over to God he will not fail us!
I had to come back to rapid city after 3 days in soo foo with my family. It is really hard leaving your family in a time like this. But that is life I guess. This whole deal gets hard sometimes when you look what we had January 1st. But it is amazing when you look at January 10th. It is awful and amazing at the same time. Some times you focus on your son being deaf blind unable to stand without assistance and I get discouraged. But then I think he easily could be dead with no shot at healing. Let's focus on the healing. This story is not over. Keep praying!
Have you ever felt guilty when you laughed, ate, slept, smiled or enjoyed anything. Well, that's my life. God I need some help I need some progress with Liam God. I need a whole bunch of good news. I feel so horrible being here and my family being across the state.
"This place is trying to break my belief, my faith is bigger than all I can see. What I need is redemption, what I need is for you to put me back on my feet..." lyrics from a song my hubby reccomended me to listen tonight as he heads back to Sioux Falls
Before I give the Liam updates here is a verse for tonight:
Mark 11:22-24 “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Doubt has been trying so hard to creep in the more I am here and the more I see Liam struggle. What I take from this verse, if we truly believe the Word is the inspired words of God, then we need to truly believe that God is not done with Liam and not only is God capable of healing Liam's eyes and ears but He IS going to heal them. ...the WORD says, "Whatever you ASK for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." I'm choosing to believe that, and asking the Holy Spirit to help me where I am weak. Thank you Jesus for your word.
Updates:
*Swallow test went well praise God.
That is about all I really have to update you on. Liam sleeps a lot. The docs are starting to track how much he's been sleeping to make sure that they don't need to change something to help. As of now, they believe it is a combination of healing time, tired from therapy, medicines wearing off, and cordisone levels that they are working on getting back to normal (those are out of wack from all the steriods they had him on for his throat awhile back).
-Prayer Targets-
*For his Eyes to see and his ears to hear (please Jesus hear our cry!!!!!!!!) .
*For Liam to not cry and be upset or scared anymore during his therapies
*For Liam to be more awake except for the times he needs to sleep to heal.
*For Liam to be more consistant in eating food and for him to consistantly enjoy eating so we can get him eating enough to get that tube out!!
*Wisdom for his doctors, therapists, and nurses.
*To keep my husband safe as he travels back home and for protection for him at his job. Also, for safety of all family that comes out to help/visit.
Again: I can't begin to thank all of you who repost my updates and all of you who pray daily for our family. May God bless you all! Thank you Jesus for another day.
3/17/12
Night post: Liam was a little more awake today...speech therapy hasn't really been going well ...he fights eating (which is frusterating to watch since he was doing awesome and loved it) he needs to keep trying to eat or that tube isnt going to come out. Physical therapy is going pretty decent; Liam is able to sit on his own with a little support for balance (he could do it on his own but he gets too mad/upset) he went from a supported kneeling to initiating moving his leg up to stand up (with support of course) standing practice turned into him initiating more steps...I just pray that he could enjoy his therapies...he improves daily in PT but cries almost the whole time. got a lot of mommy and Liam play time and cuddle time so that was nice:) He was also happy to see Grandma and Papa today...playing and making happy noises trying to talk. **prayer targets** complete restoration, eyes to see, ears to hear, comfort during therapy, for him to eat lots, and prayer for us to stay focused completely on Jesus and his Word! Thank you Jesus for our boy and for saving him...we will worship while we wait!
From Liam's Daddy:
Gen 22. Now this is morbid story and I don't completely understand why God did this. However it shows us that if we completely turn a situation over to God he will not fail us!
I had to come back to rapid city after 3 days in soo foo with my family. It is really hard leaving your family in a time like this. But that is life I guess. This whole deal gets hard sometimes when you look what we had January 1st. But it is amazing when you look at January 10th. It is awful and amazing at the same time. Some times you focus on your son being deaf blind unable to stand without assistance and I get discouraged. But then I think he easily could be dead with no shot at healing. Let's focus on the healing. This story is not over. Keep praying!
Have you ever felt guilty when you laughed, ate, slept, smiled or enjoyed anything. Well, that's my life. God I need some help I need some progress with Liam God. I need a whole bunch of good news. I feel so horrible being here and my family being across the state.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Celebrating Love
Night post: Glad to have my hubby back:) missed him... Liam had a pretty decent day today...he got his new braces and shoes for his feet...they will give him the extra stability he needs for now to help him stand...we left them on him for a couple hours to help him get used to the feel of them and they didnt seem to bug him *speech therapy went good...he now gets a small smile on his face when we buckle him to his chair and the speech therapist gives him a spoon to hold (her sign to him it's time to eat). he eats like a champ anything fruity but we are trying to get him to try a variety of pureed food...so far he just likes fruit and sweet potatoes. we tried apple juice thickened a little with nectar and he could swallow it (from a spoon) well ...so far looks good for the swallow test on thursday! keep praying!! * OT today wanted to work on Liam feeding himself today...he fought it (battle of the wills:) but was able to feed himself applesauce a few times if she put the apple sauce on the spoon. wow! big steps for our boy! be praying this goes better each day as well. *it was fun to see Casey get to see all Liam's growth:) Casey and I are continuing to choose to keep our eyes on Jesus and focus on the day at hand and be thankful for every blessing and healing and positive steps...we pray continously for a full recovery for our sweet boy...I feel God is still telling us to 'wait'...and we are:) we are waiting with expectation of great things to come....this story isn't over! God's not done here:) Thank you Jesus for this great Valentines day with my boys. Thankful for a husband who's hope is in the Lord and who supports and encourages me...I love him like crazy:) Prayer targets: swallow test,eat variety of food, use of new braces for feet, continued peace and comfort and joy for Liam, and of course complete healing for his brain eyes and ears. thank u friends for praying without ceasing! we love u! (and thank you Jesus!)
Lam 3. Even when we are destroyed, defeated, sick, depressed, sad or hated it isn't over! God loves and cares for us! Whatever happens no one can take Gods love away! Keep your chin up God has not left you in your time of need! Seriously the dude won't turn his back on you ever, whatever you are going through.
Today I got to be with my family in Sioux Falls! I was able to see how far Liam has come in just a few days! I watched him actually use a spoon to feed himself! He needed some help to get pointed in the right direction but that's it! He likes when his daddy holds him almost as much as his daddy likes it! All the therapists tell me each day he has improved! Thank you god!
I tried to have a twilight movie night for sandy for valentines day. But our computer is pretty much dead now! Dangit I tried!
Keep praying for Liam this story isn't over! You guys are great remember Gods mercy is for everyone..........
Lam 3. Even when we are destroyed, defeated, sick, depressed, sad or hated it isn't over! God loves and cares for us! Whatever happens no one can take Gods love away! Keep your chin up God has not left you in your time of need! Seriously the dude won't turn his back on you ever, whatever you are going through.
Today I got to be with my family in Sioux Falls! I was able to see how far Liam has come in just a few days! I watched him actually use a spoon to feed himself! He needed some help to get pointed in the right direction but that's it! He likes when his daddy holds him almost as much as his daddy likes it! All the therapists tell me each day he has improved! Thank you god!
I tried to have a twilight movie night for sandy for valentines day. But our computer is pretty much dead now! Dangit I tried!
Keep praying for Liam this story isn't over! You guys are great remember Gods mercy is for everyone..........
Monday, February 13, 2012
Glory to the Lord
Night Post:
*Liam apparently got enough sleep yesterday because he was up and at 'em around 8 this morning.
*Another happy productive day of therapies.
*Everyday we see 'glimpses' of Liam trying to get out. His humor and his actions. This evening (for those of you who know Liam well will smile) I had Liam laying on his mat playing with his toys. He grabbed a toy, and put it up to his ear like a phone, and started jabbering:) The only words that are clear and meaningful right now are no, ouch/owy, and mom. Please pray for his mind to heal up so he can get out the words he has been trying to say.
I'm not ever going to say this is easy to see your baby going through this. It sucks...no better word for it. But I am praying, contiuously and fervently, for a complete recovery for our Liam. We are keeping our eyes on Jesus, our hope and our strength and our healer. Thankful for what God is doing and Excited to see what is yet to come!
If you remain in me and my words in you, you may ask whatever you want and it will be given to you. (John15:7)
Prayer Targets:
-Swallow test on Tuesday to be successful so we can start the process of weaning him off the food tube.
-For Liam to eat more of a variety of food and also to be able to drink.
-For him (well, and all of us) to stay healthy
-Complete healing for his mind, eyes, and ears
-Continued peace and comfort and laughter
James 5:14-16. The Lord asks us to pray and ask for healing he asks to pray and ask for forgiveness. Let's do it people! Let's not limit God in our hearts and minds! He can make Liam whole again! The prayer of the faithful is powerful! Let's be powerful!
Well today was my first days back on the "streets". Didn't get shot so it was a good day. It was good to see some friends and coworkers!
Liam was sleepy today. He slept alot. He likes baths apparently so my lil man is definitely still there!
Keep praying God ain't done!
Today is a day to thank God for everything. Thank you Lord for a family I don't deserve. Thank you for salvation and forgiveness I'm not worthy of. Thank you for your son God. People help me show people your love. Psalms 95
Going back to Sioux Falls after work tmrw. Can't wait to see my family! Keep praying.
*Liam apparently got enough sleep yesterday because he was up and at 'em around 8 this morning.
*Another happy productive day of therapies.
*Everyday we see 'glimpses' of Liam trying to get out. His humor and his actions. This evening (for those of you who know Liam well will smile) I had Liam laying on his mat playing with his toys. He grabbed a toy, and put it up to his ear like a phone, and started jabbering:) The only words that are clear and meaningful right now are no, ouch/owy, and mom. Please pray for his mind to heal up so he can get out the words he has been trying to say.
I'm not ever going to say this is easy to see your baby going through this. It sucks...no better word for it. But I am praying, contiuously and fervently, for a complete recovery for our Liam. We are keeping our eyes on Jesus, our hope and our strength and our healer. Thankful for what God is doing and Excited to see what is yet to come!
If you remain in me and my words in you, you may ask whatever you want and it will be given to you. (John15:7)
Prayer Targets:
-Swallow test on Tuesday to be successful so we can start the process of weaning him off the food tube.
-For Liam to eat more of a variety of food and also to be able to drink.
-For him (well, and all of us) to stay healthy
-Complete healing for his mind, eyes, and ears
-Continued peace and comfort and laughter
James 5:14-16. The Lord asks us to pray and ask for healing he asks to pray and ask for forgiveness. Let's do it people! Let's not limit God in our hearts and minds! He can make Liam whole again! The prayer of the faithful is powerful! Let's be powerful!
Well today was my first days back on the "streets". Didn't get shot so it was a good day. It was good to see some friends and coworkers!
Liam was sleepy today. He slept alot. He likes baths apparently so my lil man is definitely still there!
Keep praying God ain't done!
Today is a day to thank God for everything. Thank you Lord for a family I don't deserve. Thank you for salvation and forgiveness I'm not worthy of. Thank you for your son God. People help me show people your love. Psalms 95
Going back to Sioux Falls after work tmrw. Can't wait to see my family! Keep praying.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Little Steps Forward- Big Miracles From Jesus
Night post: I just get a smile on my face as I think back on today and my heart is thankful. God answered specific prayers today! * Liam ENJOYED physical therapy today. his usual 15min tolerated session was stretched to an hour since he was doing so well. he laughed, and smiled, and tried to talk even during the hard parts like the therapists helping make him stand. he once rolled from his back to his stomach and tried to crawl on his own....it ended up being a scoot but he was trying to crawl:) While they were making him stand he initiated steps!! he hasnt done this until today! Please pray for another happy session tomorrow with growth!! *they made a cast of Liam's feet and legs today to make him a set of braces for his legs to help support him until he gets stronger*looks like we will be here about a month (whatever it takes!:) *I love his therapists and love that they already love Liam*speech therapy...ready for this?? he exceeded the week goal in one day! he finally kept opening his mouth for more food and loved it again...official swallow test will be next week sometime. *Bath time: loved it even more this time...i gave him a dixie type cup...right away he dipped it in the water and tried to throw it at me and laughed! that is so my Liam! little turkey:) *physical therapy month goal: sitting by himself, stand by self, take steps by self, move from laying to sitting, sitting to standing...our current week goal is to go from laying to sitting with him doing half the work and also sitting to standing...also for him to sit byhhimself with no help for 20 seconds...you can do it buddy! *soo many other good moments today...i got to hold him a ton today and they have me very involved in his therapies....seriously: what an awesome God we serve...this was all God today...we give YOU the glory Lord...believing and praying for more great things tomorrow for our Liam...thank u Jesus! Please continue to pray for his eyes and ears and mind! thank u friends!
Friday, February 10, 2012
Last Two Days of Positive Updates
2/9/12 Night Post: *some therapy sessions were good some not so good today...he is defianately getting stronger *gave him a REAL bath today..he smiled and splashed a little...I got to give him the bath but the OT therapist helped for the first one...he loved the bath(thts a huge deal since 2 other attempts at the sanford hospital he screamed the whole time) till i had to wash his hair and dry him off **Prayer targets** the feeding tube drives Liam crazy...please prayer for him to do well during speech therapy so we can get him eating food and get that tube out! * pray for him to stay calm and maybe even enjoy physical therapy * Pray for healing of the brain and for his eyes to see and ears to hear. * Liam keeps trying to talk but u cant make out the words he is saying...please pray that he can communicate with us and talk....JESUS: I'm sorry for the times I let my eyes quit looking to you and just looked at the situation...I choose to FIX my eyes on you and continue to trust you. I know the situation is hars but I also know that you are a BIG GOD who can do big things....Your word says "ask and you shall recieve" we are asking again for a complete healing for our sweet boy...Thank you Jesus!
Exodus 14. So there you are a life you are use to and you are resigned to the fact that life isnt going to change. Circumstances change and you end up in the desert between an ocean and 600 chariots that are coming to kill you. How does this happen? What now?
Well Exodus 14:14 says to let God fight for us! And God sure did, he parted the Red Sea!
When we have nowhere to turn, life is over and it is impossible. Let God fight for us! This has helped tonight because we have been feeling discouraged. We have to let God FIGHT for us. He has promised to be there for us! In Romans 8:26 the Lord says the Holy Spirit prays and groans for us when we are so weak that we don't know what to pray about!
Liam had an okay day of therapy. It is tough to see him crying and scared. I choose right know to let God fight for us, lord please let me feel you shine!
Please keep praying. Never ever give up!
Romans 4:1-8, 5:8/Psalms 32:1-6. So, you don't want to try this God thing because you have known Christians who were two faced. They said they where Christians but didn't act like it all the time. Well, guess what Christians sin. If they say they don't they are liars!
David was a man after Gods own heart and he did some bad things. Peter a man that walked with Jesus denied him! Both were forgiven and restored! The thing is we need to understand that forgiveness is for EVERYONE, now the longer your a Christian I would hope you can cut out some of the crap out of your life ( includes me). But it isn't a lightswitch. Now this isn't a free for all to be a dirt ball and just say you're a Christian, this needs to be a change in your heart.
2/8/12 Updates:
Read Romans 8:12-17 it refers to the holy spirit helping us with sin. Please remember only Jesus was perfect. No else can be without the forgiveness and redemption of God!
We moved to the rehab hospital today! Liam did awesome. My buddy laid on my chest for awhile today and he didn't want to move! I love him so much. He truly is a gift from God. We are seeing progress everyday!
Please pray for Liam's eyes and ears! He is still deaf and blind but I truly don't think God is done! Keep praying friends, God is real.
Night Update: Awesome day today...despite that, I felt attacked again (spiritually) like the devil wanted me to focus on doubt....rebuking that in the name of Jesus! I choose to look to Jesus like I have been...and give HIM praise for all he's done and will do...as a friend reminded me in a prayer for me today "HE will finish the good works he started!" amen! soooo....Here's all the good God did today and we give HIM the glory:) soo thankful: *I sat in a wheel chair and they put Liam in my lap as we made our way out of Sanfords childrens hospital to our car...Liam was soo comfortable with me holding him it was awesome:) *Casey took Liam from me and put him in the carseat...Liam didnt cry one bit...he sat peacefully in his seat the whole way to the rehab hospital (I sat in the back and rubbed his head:) *Best part yet...casey got him out of the car and held Liam like we used to-against his chest- Liam HELD onto him so Casey sat in a chair in Liams new room and just held him for awhile like that...melt my heart:) *they did a lot of physical therapy evaluations and asked a lot of questions to start to formulate a plan for therapy for Liam...the therapy team seemed like they will do a great job! soooo many other good moments today that if i shared them all this would be too long of a post (longer than usual anyway;) Prayer targets: Please pray for Liam to be able to see and hear so that he can see and hear his mommy and daddy (for other reasons too of course:), pray for wisdom for the nurses, doctors, and therapists....Please continue to stand with us in belief and prayer for a complete healing for our Liam! We thank You Jesus for
today...and for all you are doing and going to do!! What a mighty God we serve:)
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
TEAM LIAM T-SHIRTS FOR SALE
We are placing an order for team Liam t-shirts! I will need people to let me know how many they will be ordering and what sizes they will need. Sizes S-XL: $12.00
XXL: $13.50
They do not have children's sizes, but I am trying to find a place that we can get those. The picture above is what the shirts will look like, and the color burgundy is the color for Meningitis.
Payment: Once you place an order I will send you an invoice and there will be a link by which you can pay me by using pay pal, debit or credit card. I can not order shirts until I receive your payment. (sorry) The deadline for orders will be FRIDAY Feb. 17th! All payments MUST be received by then.
I am going through paypal and they will take $.30 per transaction. If people pay "together" there be fewer transactions, less transaction fees and more money raised for Team Liam!
Receiving Your Shirt: It will take 7-10 business days for the shirts to come in, then we will be shipping them to a contact person in each city: Rapid City, Brainerd, and so forth. We will let you know where to pick up you shirt when the time comes.
Please remember to give me your email address and a phone number so I can get in contact with you!
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Valerie Meyer
By: Valerie Meyer
THANK YOU JESUS
Night Post: Everyday just gets better and better--Praise God for answered prayer! God is working...healing...and moving in big ways in our Little Liam's life!! (and ours too:)
-Liam had no random 'freak out moments today', none.
-Liam had THREE physical therapy sessions today-most intense so far...he cried of course the whole time but not screaming. The therapists were all smiles with the progress he has made and how far he has come. (you can tell they really care about our Liam)
-Liam settled right down after therapy and let me rub his back/legs again and his head to comfort him while he rested in his crib (loved that!). -
-Liam's peditrician was very happy and positive when he came in tonight his words "Liam is just going to keep getting better more and more each day as his brain heals and calms down" (have I mentioned how much the staff here cares about Liam and us...they truly get excited as Liam does well)
-PIC line out tomorrow
-The feeding tube that we pulled back to his stomach seems to be taking well
-OFFICIAL MOVING DAY TOMORROW!!! around lunch time tomorrow we will be moving to the Children's rehab hospital!! Little nervous (something new) but super excited and thankful.
Thank you Jesus for the miracles and healing you are doing in our Liam...We give you the glory for it ALL! We are excited to see what you are going to do next!~
Prayer Targets: Continued healing for his brain, for his eyes to see and his ears to hear, continued comfort, for the move tomorrow to go smoothly and for us all to adjust to the change, for wisdom for all His doctors and nurses and therapists, for strength for Liam during his therapy. Thanks friends! Thank you Jesus for calling your people to pray! :)
1 corinthians 2:5. Man's wisdom will never understand God's power. We can try but it won't be understood! We need to understand that faith is key to this thing called Christianity. Faith is hard.....sometimes God shows himself to you and that makes it a little easier!
Friends, family know that we all need a savior to rescue us. Please don't write this off as ramblings of a mad man, the time is NOW. We need redemption. Search your soul if you don't know God let me show you what God has shown me.
I want to first thank the Lord for saving my son. Second of all I want to thank him for the healing I have seen before my eyes. Third of all I want to thank everyone for the continued prayers, encouragement and support. You guys are awesome!
Tonight is the last night Liam will be at Sanford's! We are moving to a rehab hospital! Seriously a month ago I was thinking about a funeral now I am in awe of Gods mercy and power! Jesus I thank you tonight with tears in my eyes, not of sadness but of joy!
Today I watched my son hold himself up in a crawling position. I watch him remember how to move to balance himself. I watched him laugh and smile. I watched him try to talk. I watched a miracle......thank you God. This will be used for Gods glory! Keep praying
-Liam had no random 'freak out moments today', none.
-Liam had THREE physical therapy sessions today-most intense so far...he cried of course the whole time but not screaming. The therapists were all smiles with the progress he has made and how far he has come. (you can tell they really care about our Liam)
-Liam settled right down after therapy and let me rub his back/legs again and his head to comfort him while he rested in his crib (loved that!). -
-Liam's peditrician was very happy and positive when he came in tonight his words "Liam is just going to keep getting better more and more each day as his brain heals and calms down" (have I mentioned how much the staff here cares about Liam and us...they truly get excited as Liam does well)
-PIC line out tomorrow
-The feeding tube that we pulled back to his stomach seems to be taking well
-OFFICIAL MOVING DAY TOMORROW!!! around lunch time tomorrow we will be moving to the Children's rehab hospital!! Little nervous (something new) but super excited and thankful.
Thank you Jesus for the miracles and healing you are doing in our Liam...We give you the glory for it ALL! We are excited to see what you are going to do next!~
Prayer Targets: Continued healing for his brain, for his eyes to see and his ears to hear, continued comfort, for the move tomorrow to go smoothly and for us all to adjust to the change, for wisdom for all His doctors and nurses and therapists, for strength for Liam during his therapy. Thanks friends! Thank you Jesus for calling your people to pray! :)
1 corinthians 2:5. Man's wisdom will never understand God's power. We can try but it won't be understood! We need to understand that faith is key to this thing called Christianity. Faith is hard.....sometimes God shows himself to you and that makes it a little easier!
Friends, family know that we all need a savior to rescue us. Please don't write this off as ramblings of a mad man, the time is NOW. We need redemption. Search your soul if you don't know God let me show you what God has shown me.
I want to first thank the Lord for saving my son. Second of all I want to thank him for the healing I have seen before my eyes. Third of all I want to thank everyone for the continued prayers, encouragement and support. You guys are awesome!
Tonight is the last night Liam will be at Sanford's! We are moving to a rehab hospital! Seriously a month ago I was thinking about a funeral now I am in awe of Gods mercy and power! Jesus I thank you tonight with tears in my eyes, not of sadness but of joy!
Today I watched my son hold himself up in a crawling position. I watch him remember how to move to balance himself. I watched him laugh and smile. I watched him try to talk. I watched a miracle......thank you God. This will be used for Gods glory! Keep praying
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
God continuing to Heal
Night Post 2/6: "I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?' Jer. 32:27. (I have a good friend who texts me just the right verses I need at just the right times;) I can look back at today and say, "today was a pretty good day".
-Both physical therapy sessions went good. Liam didn't flip out like usual. He didn't LOVE it but he only whined/cried not scr...eamed. He is gett...ing stronger. He would also let the therapists hold him each time they gave him a 'rest' in between work.
-Speech therapy: did not go well today...he was pretty upset about it and did not want her to put anything in his mouth. (although whatever she did sneak in he could swallow it no problem but was mad about it)
-Doct and therapists agreed he is not ready for the official xray swallow test (behavior only) but they will try in a couple of weeks. They all agreed he does not need to be at Sandford's Childrens hospital for medical reasons anymore and that he is going to go to the children's rehab hosipital Wednesday (they can finish his 'weanings' there and the feeding tube).
-Feeding tube was pulled back from his intestines up to his stomach. So far so good with that! (please pray that he doesn't get reflux!)
-Liam had his 'moments' of irritability today but for the most part we were able to comfort him by rubbing his leg or back! Praise God for that!
-More smiles today and a lot of him investigating his crib by feeling everything around him. Heard a few giggles today and he tried to form words again, like he was trying to say something but couldn't.
-No signs that he can hear or see but his eye (the other one doesn't usually open) has been moving around a lot more.
-Liam now is grabbing things from his 'weak' hand and moving them to his 'good' hand and back-wow!!
Thank you Jesus...thank you.
Ephesians 2:1-10 Trying to clean/save yourself on your own without Christ is religion. Letting Christ help you is a relationship. The only one that can save you is God. Nothing we can do will work! Salvation is a gift not a wage we can't work for it! Thank you Lord for knowing how weak I am and paying the price I can't!
Liam had another good day! He was calm more then agitated. Smilies here and there! thank you for your healing God! Please keep praying for the healing to continue and that I can wrestle my little buddy again! I miss him so much. Some days my heart is so broken to see my son like this, but then I remember this story is not over. Never give up. Keep praying!
-Both physical therapy sessions went good. Liam didn't flip out like usual. He didn't LOVE it but he only whined/cried not scr...eamed. He is gett...ing stronger. He would also let the therapists hold him each time they gave him a 'rest' in between work.
-Speech therapy: did not go well today...he was pretty upset about it and did not want her to put anything in his mouth. (although whatever she did sneak in he could swallow it no problem but was mad about it)
-Doct and therapists agreed he is not ready for the official xray swallow test (behavior only) but they will try in a couple of weeks. They all agreed he does not need to be at Sandford's Childrens hospital for medical reasons anymore and that he is going to go to the children's rehab hosipital Wednesday (they can finish his 'weanings' there and the feeding tube).
-Feeding tube was pulled back from his intestines up to his stomach. So far so good with that! (please pray that he doesn't get reflux!)
-Liam had his 'moments' of irritability today but for the most part we were able to comfort him by rubbing his leg or back! Praise God for that!
-More smiles today and a lot of him investigating his crib by feeling everything around him. Heard a few giggles today and he tried to form words again, like he was trying to say something but couldn't.
-No signs that he can hear or see but his eye (the other one doesn't usually open) has been moving around a lot more.
-Liam now is grabbing things from his 'weak' hand and moving them to his 'good' hand and back-wow!!
Thank you Jesus...thank you.
Ephesians 2:1-10 Trying to clean/save yourself on your own without Christ is religion. Letting Christ help you is a relationship. The only one that can save you is God. Nothing we can do will work! Salvation is a gift not a wage we can't work for it! Thank you Lord for knowing how weak I am and paying the price I can't!
Liam had another good day! He was calm more then agitated. Smilies here and there! thank you for your healing God! Please keep praying for the healing to continue and that I can wrestle my little buddy again! I miss him so much. Some days my heart is so broken to see my son like this, but then I remember this story is not over. Never give up. Keep praying!
Monday, February 6, 2012
Prayers Answered Yesterday!!!
Last Night Post: God is crazy blessing us through this whole thing...HE left me speechless today when a very specific prayer request was ANSWERED:) Last night I told two of my friends to pray specifically for Liam to be happy and smile...I prayed this morning for that as well...I told God that I trust his timing, I believe he is going to completely heal and restore Liam, but I asked for Him to let Liam smile and be happy in the meantime...that I couldnt handle him being so upset and not being able to touch him without him freaking out just made my heart break for him. I prayed for that this morning....God answere it today...for the first half of the day Liam didnt fuss when u touched him. He giggled, he smiled, he was enjoying touching and feeling everyones hand...this wasnt just a moment! he was happy for hours! He even seemed like he was trying to form words! PRAISE THE LORD!!!! What else can u say except that!? Please continue to pray for Liam for his happiness while he heals....the rest of the day (after about 2 in the afternoon) didnt go as well and the withdrawl symptoms were back until bedtime again:( even though he cried for a lot of the rest of the day you could touch him most the time without him flipping out! God is moving friends...He cares. He cares for us, for all of you, more than you will ever know...I have never felt God's love more than I have during this time...so thankful.
So today was a good day. We went to Falls Church today and it was great. The pastor's MSG was about turning yourself over to the Lord and not caring about anything other than him. Part of the message was from Exodus. When Moses left Egypt and ran into God speaking to him from the burning bush. After the conversation with God he was worried that people wouldn't believe him. So God made his staff turn into a snake when he threw it on the ground so people wld see this and believe what he saw.
The way I relate this to my situation is like this. People that haven't seen what we have seen might not believe that God raised my son from death (the bush). But they will see his healing and won't be able deny that (the staff)!
Liam smiled and laughed today! He was able to be calmed by touch! None of these things have happened since this nightmare started. Pray that this continues! Keep praying!
Lead me to the cross where your love poured out.....bring me to my knees o Lord I lay ME down. Rid me of myself I belong to you.
This is my prayer help me NEVER be ashamed Lord. never forget.....
So today was a good day. We went to Falls Church today and it was great. The pastor's MSG was about turning yourself over to the Lord and not caring about anything other than him. Part of the message was from Exodus. When Moses left Egypt and ran into God speaking to him from the burning bush. After the conversation with God he was worried that people wouldn't believe him. So God made his staff turn into a snake when he threw it on the ground so people wld see this and believe what he saw.
The way I relate this to my situation is like this. People that haven't seen what we have seen might not believe that God raised my son from death (the bush). But they will see his healing and won't be able deny that (the staff)!
Liam smiled and laughed today! He was able to be calmed by touch! None of these things have happened since this nightmare started. Pray that this continues! Keep praying!
Lead me to the cross where your love poured out.....bring me to my knees o Lord I lay ME down. Rid me of myself I belong to you.
This is my prayer help me NEVER be ashamed Lord. never forget.....
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Updates on Liam
Night post: My poor buddy didnt have the best day (best guess...withdrawls...he is close to being completely weaned off) had a hard time resting at all today. still really irritates him to be touched. seems to be settling for the night though. speech therapy was a dud today because he was so upset:( he had the day off from physical therapy. Sodium levels are doing great(this trul y is a miracle in itself!) Liam is noticing more of his surroundings as he is coming off the sedations more...we catch him feeling around his crib and grabbing stuff in it and feeling it to see what it is. he feels his face and the feeding tube taped to his face (this really drives him crazy) he feels every bracelet or piece of tape stuck to him. Prayer targets: For Liam to be happy and comforted, for complete healing for his brain, for his eyes to see and his ears to hear and for his sensitivity to touch be calmed. With man this is impossible but with God ALL things are possible...Thank you Jesus!
Today Liam was crabby. He gets agitated and cries when even touched. Could be withdrawals or just agitation that comes with the healing process of a brain injury.
Pray for Liam's complete recovery. Please take him to church tomorrow and pray for him! Keep praying
Thank you to everyone who helped with/attended Liam's sloppy Joe benefit on Friday...again, we are overwhelmed with everyone's support and generosity during this time...please continue to tand in prayer with us for a complete healing for our little buddy. We love you and thank Jesus for friends and a community like you! -The Kenricks
Today Liam was crabby. He gets agitated and cries when even touched. Could be withdrawals or just agitation that comes with the healing process of a brain injury.
Pray for Liam's complete recovery. Please take him to church tomorrow and pray for him! Keep praying
Thank you to everyone who helped with/attended Liam's sloppy Joe benefit on Friday...again, we are overwhelmed with everyone's support and generosity during this time...please continue to tand in prayer with us for a complete healing for our little buddy. We love you and thank Jesus for friends and a community like you! -The Kenricks
Saturday, February 4, 2012
New Updates
Sandy's post from last night: Night update: -We have officially lived at the "Castle" for 4 weeks now. -Liam still screams/cries/whimpers when anyone touches him pretty much but calms down fairly easy afterwards. -Physical/occupational therapists said that he has improved a little since even yesterday with his willingness to participate. He still screams and cries but doesn't fight it like befor...e, and calms down faster. H...e is getting stronger -Speech therapy (eating drinking) went well today...he ate quite a few small bites of applesauce and was able to drink a very small amount of apple juice...therapists very pleased with all this and it looks like we may have the official swallow test sometime soon (they use an xray and everything I guess and watch how he swallows). They just want to try a few different foods with him to make sure...I think yogurt and chocolate pudding may be next:) sidenote: for those of you who know Liam well I bet you are not surprised that he loves speech therapy:) the only time he really cries is when they stop feeding him he whines:) -Looks like we have the okay to move to the Rehab Childrens hospital early to mid next week. -Casey put his finger in Liam's hand so he could hold it and Liam started feeling Caseys hand and the ring on his finger...so Casey gave him his toy car and he used both hands to feel what it was (very big deal since especially his right side of his body didn't hardly move a few weeks ago) he also held his spider man toy for a little bit:) -sodium levels have stayed in a fairly even pattern -We are getting closer to weaning him off of the sedations (very small doses right now!!) He still wears a patch (to help with nuerostorming) and that will still be used for another couple months probably. Prayer Targets: Healing of his mind (and all the things that come with that: hearing, sight, speech, movements, irritation), safety for our family and everyone traveling back and forth helping us during this time, continued prayer for comfort for our Liam. Please pray that they just love him at his new rehab hospital and for wisdom for his doctors and nurses and therapists. Thank you Jesus for all the good you are doing for our Little Liam and for our family--we give you the glory! We continue to trust you and believe for a complete healing!!
Verse for the day:) "We live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7" looking at the world around us and the situatuions around us with'our' eyes things can seem very dark and hopeless...but good thing we have faith in a Big God and look to HIM and believe. All things are possible through Christ who gives us strength. I choose to look to you again today Jesus...not at the things around me....we are trusting you for a complete healing for our Liam. thankful for your Word.
From Liam's Daddy:
2 Corinthians 12:7-10. These verses are a good reminder of a few things. My strength comes from God. Pain and sickness are attacks from Satan. The only bragging we should do is bragging about the strength of our God not ourselves! Liam had a good day! He is calming down a little more. He swallowed some more food today! He even played with a toy for a few minutes! I think he was trying to figure out what it was! God keeps reminding us that he is here. He is our strength when we are weak. Thanks be to God. O ya I got a new position at work, one I was hoping for! Thanks again God. Never give up. Keep praying!
Verse for the day:) "We live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7" looking at the world around us and the situatuions around us with'our' eyes things can seem very dark and hopeless...but good thing we have faith in a Big God and look to HIM and believe. All things are possible through Christ who gives us strength. I choose to look to you again today Jesus...not at the things around me....we are trusting you for a complete healing for our Liam. thankful for your Word.
From Liam's Daddy:
2 Corinthians 12:7-10. These verses are a good reminder of a few things. My strength comes from God. Pain and sickness are attacks from Satan. The only bragging we should do is bragging about the strength of our God not ourselves! Liam had a good day! He is calming down a little more. He swallowed some more food today! He even played with a toy for a few minutes! I think he was trying to figure out what it was! God keeps reminding us that he is here. He is our strength when we are weak. Thanks be to God. O ya I got a new position at work, one I was hoping for! Thanks again God. Never give up. Keep praying!
Friday, February 3, 2012
Roller Coaster Day
Night Post: "running a race even tough I'm waiting" "I will move ahead more than confident" "i will worship while I'm waiting" seriously if this song wasn't written just for me and for this time I don't know what is:) today was what Casey and I refer to as a rollercoaster day....ups and downs. prayer targets: Liam is extremely sensitive to touch (docts thoughts on this is one of the healing ...processes an injured brain goes through when healing) he screams or cries or both when touched...this makes physial therapy hard...he is getting stronger everyday but is to 'mad' to get much accomplished. Please pray for this stage of his healing to go by quickly and for comfort for our little boy during this time. We can not really leave the hospital until this phase is over...we can not get the official "swallow test" done until his brain and behavior calms down and the feeding tube does not come out until that test is passed.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Praying
morning update: well, most of u have heard about the 2nd hearing test they had this morning...it concluded that Liam can't hear. We are hopeful we know for one...God is our healer and for two...Liam shows signs that he can hear like yesterday..sometimes he can hear (we believe) and other times nothing...even his doct this morning said it is possible for things to change as the brain is still healing. So as rough as the morning has been...our hope is in the Lord. We have a big God who can do big things. We are believing and holding onto the promises in His Word. Keep praying friends...God's not done here...He has brought us this far!!
Continue to Believe & Pray
Last Night Update:
Night Post: Very rough morning for Liam as far as withdrawls went. It was his first full day on the lesser dose of meds (they go down on his sedation every 3 days). Today was one of the days we could tell Liam couldn't hear us. However, as the day went on (and after a local pastor prayed a powerful prayer over Liam) Liam seemed to calm down (thank you Jesus:) and was able to do physical therapy... better today (twice), still getting stronger and stronger with sitting up (with help, but pretty much holds his head up on his own) and he only was whimpering/crying not wailing this time. They had him sit in this chair thing twice today too-it's similar to a foam carseat. He would just fall asleep in it:) By the time it was time for bedtime Liam was calm and resting well. Way more easily comforted after the nurses 'bugged' him. I could tell he could hear me again and he was trying to move his eyes to focus on me (I still don't think he can see yet but it seems like he is trying to come out of some fog). Thanking the Lord today for his healing hand in the life of our Little Liam. Thankful for God using his people to minister and encourage us during this time-and most importantly calling his people to PRAY! I know this is a long post (I missed this morning's somehow-sorry!) but one more thing: Casey and I toured our next step: the Children's Rehab Center. It is very nice there and seems like they will take good care of us there. Sounds like we will be there in about a week or two. Prayer Targets: Pray against any doubt and attacks on our family, please pray for Liam's complete healing and pray for the withdrawls to go as smoothly as possible. Thanks friends and thank you Jesus!
Night Post: Very rough morning for Liam as far as withdrawls went. It was his first full day on the lesser dose of meds (they go down on his sedation every 3 days). Today was one of the days we could tell Liam couldn't hear us. However, as the day went on (and after a local pastor prayed a powerful prayer over Liam) Liam seemed to calm down (thank you Jesus:) and was able to do physical therapy... better today (twice), still getting stronger and stronger with sitting up (with help, but pretty much holds his head up on his own) and he only was whimpering/crying not wailing this time. They had him sit in this chair thing twice today too-it's similar to a foam carseat. He would just fall asleep in it:) By the time it was time for bedtime Liam was calm and resting well. Way more easily comforted after the nurses 'bugged' him. I could tell he could hear me again and he was trying to move his eyes to focus on me (I still don't think he can see yet but it seems like he is trying to come out of some fog). Thanking the Lord today for his healing hand in the life of our Little Liam. Thankful for God using his people to minister and encourage us during this time-and most importantly calling his people to PRAY! I know this is a long post (I missed this morning's somehow-sorry!) but one more thing: Casey and I toured our next step: the Children's Rehab Center. It is very nice there and seems like they will take good care of us there. Sounds like we will be there in about a week or two. Prayer Targets: Pray against any doubt and attacks on our family, please pray for Liam's complete healing and pray for the withdrawls to go as smoothly as possible. Thanks friends and thank you Jesus!
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