tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68185221507663227012024-03-04T23:22:54.556-08:00WardI lift up my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2Kimberly Elrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15846886932185549403noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818522150766322701.post-24430410900800846662014-11-18T19:41:00.002-08:002014-11-18T19:44:26.346-08:00Emma Kate<br />
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This is Whiney's friend. Read her story below, in her moms words. The Lord is so good-Kim<br />
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In 2012 our daughter Emma Kate was getting excited about her 3rd birthday. Just two weeks before the big day we started to notice some changes in her. I could tell she had put on some weight, but since she was getting older I just thought she may be filling out...more than I had expected. Then she caught a virus that included a brief fever, and lethargy. After the fever passed I became very concerned as I noticed she was not getting any better. She was actually getting worse. She started to sleep all the time, she was not eating, and even more concerning, she was not going to the bathroom at ALL. It became apparent that the weight gain was swelling, which quickly turned into pitting edema. We took her back to the doctor and miraculously we were able to get a drop of urine to test while we were there. The doctor came back in the room, very matter of fact and started to explain Emma Kate's protein in her urine was sky high, 300+. The normal healthy person has 0- trace protein. Her kidneys were inflamed and we were sent right to The Children's Hospital.</div>
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Once there she was on an IV around the clock to hydrate her, and bring the swelling down. They also started her on high dose steroids. They told us she had Nephrotic Syndrome; it affects 1 in 10,000 kids and has no cure. It is an autoimmune condition that causes the kidneys to be attacked and leak large amounts of protein into the urine. This spillage can lead to serious things like high blood pressure, blood clots, and scarring of the kidneys. Before the creation of steroids, NS had a 90% mortality rate in children. We were told some kids don't respond to the steroids at all and are sent down a long road of chemotherapy and transplants. This was such an overwhelming, dark time for us. We did not know what the future held, but our peace was that we knew God held the future! We remained in fervent prayer.</div>
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By the time we went home Emma Kate had lost 6 pounds of water weight, but we had new challenging behaviors and side effects to deal with from a toddler being on such a strong medicine. Every six weeks off the meds she would start to spill again and have to go right back on. It became my mission to get her into a full med free remission! I started to do everything as natural as I could, and sought God's guidance every step of the way. After the first year of ups and downs we made a life change to cut gluten and dairy from our diets, and eat organic as much as possible. God was faithful to lead me down the path of diet change, and we give glory to Him for healing our Emma Kate! She has now been in a med free remission for 21 months! We have learned to trust God like never before. We daily praise Him for His goodness as we humbly remain in prayer for others. We are very excited for Emma Kate's story to be a part of The Asher Foundation and help others!</div>
Kimberly Elrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15846886932185549403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818522150766322701.post-48861959105724320892013-01-04T21:21:00.001-08:002013-01-04T21:24:48.914-08:00Draw Near I love that song by Kenny Chesney called EL Cerrito Place. [Brian thinks it's dumb] I think he sometimes questions my choice in music. Anyway, I don't know why I like it. I think it's romantic how he sings about looking for his love. He sings about going to the ocean and looking for her footprints in the sand. He is pursuing his love. So sweet!<br />
I have been reflecting back over this past year. I have felt overcome by the Lords love for me. I think of how He has taken care of me. I feel so unworthy. Not only how He has been with us each step of the way with Ward.... but my whole life! He truly has pursued me. I think of times I have needed him so desperately, to the point I was on my face, calling out to the Lord. I think of the times I have not been in His will. The times I have not called to Him. He has always come after me. I don't know why He would do that for me. I have such an imperfect life. James 4:8 says Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. I know I will never understand how much the Lord loves me. Just like my kids will never know how much I love them. No matter what I do or tell them.<br />
I am thankful the Lord reminded me of His love at this point in my life. Brian and I are embarking on something very new for us. I know the Lord has had this next step in place for us! The crazy thing is, it has felt natural. We left our church of 8 years this past December. We felt the Lord leading. Brian has felt the Lord lead him to start a new church. We have prayed and asked the Lord. Is this what you want? We felt Him lead us. That's tough when you are not sure what is next. What will it all look like? So, door after door has opened. Let me say, not all at one time!! We first had to say we will take this first step. Hebrews 11:2. So, we will meet for the first time this Sunday, Jan 6th at 2:00 p.m.<br />
One more thing!!! Guess what God did?? He gave us a place to start our church. A free place! Can you believe that? As Mrs. Joan Tyson says "Isn't that just like the Lord!"<br />
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I wanted to add some pictures of Ward. He is 18 months old now and doing so good. Running, talking and eating. He is for sure #4. He likes his way. He has such a funny and cute personality. He loves when you watch him and laugh at him. He also loves his big brothers and sister. Not a day goes by that we don't look at him and are amazed. I can't help but, believe all this we have been through has prepared us for what is to come.<br />
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<br />Kimberly Elrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15846886932185549403noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818522150766322701.post-91892502461540680662012-07-06T04:31:00.002-07:002012-07-06T04:31:41.514-07:00Kimberly Elrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15846886932185549403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818522150766322701.post-4947994845901043342012-01-21T20:22:00.000-08:002012-01-21T20:22:09.375-08:00We are home again...... The normal life is the good life! That is what keeps going through my head as I am home with the kids and baby Ward. The Friday morning after Thanksgiving. Ward had a fever of 102 and we could not keep it down with tylenol. We ended up at the Egleston ER that morning around 2 a.m. The hospital did a shunt tap [took fluid from Wards shunt] and it came back showing infection. They wanted us to stay overnight and watch the cultures to see what it did. Worse case they would have to take Wards shunt out and put 2 external tubes to drain the fluid on the outside. Give him antibotics for 12-14 days and then do surgery to put the shunt back in. This news killed Brian and I. We were given a room and I was given a bed to sleep in with Ward. He was not himself and all night I begged the Lord to make him better so we would not have to go through surgery again. Saturday morning the nurse came in and took his temperature he was 103. My heart sank. I went in the bathroom of our hospital room and fell to my knees. I needed the Lord to take me to the next step. Our doctor let us know Ward would have to have the surgery to remove the shunt. We walked Ward to surgery that morning and watched him be wheeled away. We spent the next 11 days talking to Ward and surrounding him with toys. He could only sit up for 30 minutes at a time. He had to lay down for most of the day for the external tubes to drain correctly. The Lord took care of that. He has made Ward a people person. He loves people. He will watch them and smile and is very happy doing this. He stole the hearts of all the nurses on the 5 East floor. The infectious disease doctors determined that he had a staph infection. This was most likely contracted six weeks prior when he had his last surgery. The chance of this infection was 10%. Ward had his shunt put back in and was discharged from the hospital a day later. So, we spent a total of 12 days at Egleston. Thank you for all the prayers,visits and phone calls. We are blessed beyond words. You can never know how much a blessing it is to have people love you through something like this until you go through it. We have been back to the ER three times because Wards stitches from surgery were leaking. He has had his sweet head stitched up so many times.<br />
The Lord made him so tough. He has not been held back at all through all this. He is still AMAZING! God has a perfect plan for Ward and we are blessed to be his parents. I was rocking Ward in his room this morning and looked at a plaque over his door. It reads Great is thy Faithfulness. Wow sums up our year of 2011. He shows Himself faithful in our valley this year. This past Sunday January 8th we dedicated Ward to the Lord at our church Grace Baptist. Plus Weston our second son was baptized on the same day. Weston accepted Christ as his savior after Ward was born. What a time of rejoicing this past Sunday was for us!! I just kept telling the Lord thank you all day.<br />
Ward is so strong! He is sitting up and rolling over. He is ready to go. I can see it in his eyes. I know the look I have seen it with my other 2 boys. He is eating food and loves it. He has physical therapy every other week. He is so happy all the time. He is a party boy and does not want to miss a thing. Guess that's why he does not love to sleep! His brothers Will and Weston and sister Whitney can't leave him alone. They all want to be around him all the time. He is an absolute super star. He has stolen many hearts and is only 8 months old. I wanted to post some pictures of Ward and his everyday life. We are so excited for a New Year and can't wait to see what the Lord has!!!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><div class="heading passage-class-0" style="color: #5c1101; margin-top: 10px;"><h3 style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Lamentations 3:22-25</span></h3><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NKJV-20373" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">22</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Through</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> Because His compassions fail not. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NKJV-20374" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">23</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">They are</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> new every morning; </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> Great </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">is</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> Your faithfulness. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NKJV-20375" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">24</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> “ The LORD </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">is</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> my portion,” says my soul, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> “ Therefore I hope in Him!” </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NKJV-20376" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">25</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> The LORD </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">is</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> good to those who wait for Him, </span></div></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> To the soul </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">who</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> seeks Him.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBtYsYSuDfRs_bb0xyNxmaBdF2LH33BcjnaUfvYrpiQJofTsW2Ru7isf0StH7SXFeM7C8ZFzfAb8LsnAqq-PV6iCHBlnTprjJ44yt60ZxqO9TT5J9KLpMExgXuSO5wDPgVFauVgCSnDh1i/s1600/IMG_0977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBtYsYSuDfRs_bb0xyNxmaBdF2LH33BcjnaUfvYrpiQJofTsW2Ru7isf0StH7SXFeM7C8ZFzfAb8LsnAqq-PV6iCHBlnTprjJ44yt60ZxqO9TT5J9KLpMExgXuSO5wDPgVFauVgCSnDh1i/s320/IMG_0977.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div>Kimberly Elrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15846886932185549403noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818522150766322701.post-45856232737066975002011-11-01T21:07:00.000-07:002011-11-01T21:07:06.865-07:00AmazingWard is looking and doing great. We will have a CT scan in 6 weeks to make sure the cyst has shrunk. Please keep praying it has. We had a visit with a physical therapist in Atlanta this morning. She played with him and checked out all his baby moves. He has found his feet and it's the sweetest thing. You would think he is our first child the way we get so excited for each new milestone. After his evalution the therapist just went over somethings and gave me some ideas for some ways we can work with him more at home. Then she said "He is amazing." She just kept saying over and over how amazing he was doing after what he has been through. I had to look away as my eyes filled with tears. I felt my heart fill with thankfulness. I knew all the prayers had carried Ward to this place of amazing. I have been basking in amazing all day. I was talking to a friend the other day and I shared with her something the Lord has showed me through our journey with Ward. He has showed me not to worry about tomorrow. I don't always do that but, today I was able to just thank the Lord over and over. Amazing<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGa4MCftBima0fXTxTQ8ymiP43JHkZgNlLwUQUfbPDrjEKfSdl8fVh-o4NL1BGVVLoUR607ngycfnzTM8dHhHFVEw6EEqq10MlLSZ3C_DyS_Zw1GlPDrVYNlE64w-C26K1L73m8g103OA-/s1600/DSC_0399fb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGa4MCftBima0fXTxTQ8ymiP43JHkZgNlLwUQUfbPDrjEKfSdl8fVh-o4NL1BGVVLoUR607ngycfnzTM8dHhHFVEw6EEqq10MlLSZ3C_DyS_Zw1GlPDrVYNlE64w-C26K1L73m8g103OA-/s320/DSC_0399fb.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>Kimberly Elrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15846886932185549403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818522150766322701.post-2865922931425558302011-10-17T20:00:00.000-07:002011-10-17T20:00:29.475-07:00Update on Ward<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsbZRVJqKL6ZhvNM7U1BGQXMoRxRBRCKLO03X0l0Ex3CgWE6w5S29uvKi4wI6W9V51HeE1VG2eLaiFkUAQZxPPoU-XIytSVuixnCKj5D2Ah-esCZ-88pcBGz2NJRImQ__ezhamRMAuSt6/s1600/ry%253D400.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsbZRVJqKL6ZhvNM7U1BGQXMoRxRBRCKLO03X0l0Ex3CgWE6w5S29uvKi4wI6W9V51HeE1VG2eLaiFkUAQZxPPoU-XIytSVuixnCKj5D2Ah-esCZ-88pcBGz2NJRImQ__ezhamRMAuSt6/s320/ry%253D400.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> Wards MRI showed that he still has the cyst. Our surgeon wants to put in a tube that will connect to the shunt to drain the cyst. Ward will have surgery tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. This has been tough because we thought we would have the shunt surgery and the fluid would be gone. We had no idea that as the fluid drained, there would be a cyst. I took a few days to pray and really asked the Lord how to feel now? I asked the Lord to give me a new song. I spent some time with some of my girlfriends this past Friday. When I got home I realized I had not thought about the surgery all day. I had peace in my heart. I feel that this is part of Wards testimony. I am in the midst of it. Brian had the opportunity to speak with a family who have a daughter who had a shunt at birth just like Ward. Her body rejected the shunt and over the course of the next 15 years, she has had 72 surgeries. Her parents are such a picture of faithfulness. After all they have been through they still call upon the same Lord we will call upon tomorrow at 11:30. So, I trust in my Jesus. He is in the midst of a beautiful testimony on my sweet Ward. This 15 year old girl I told you about.... She just gave testimony of the Lord to the kids at her high school! That fires me up. She has been through the fire and she is still able to stand on Jesus! WOW! So, He gave me my new song. A song of peace in a storm. Only the Lord can do that!!!<br />
Thank you<br />
Thank you<br />
Thank you<br />
For your prayers!!<br />
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Psalm 40:3 - He has put a new song in my mouth - Praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord.Kimberly Elrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15846886932185549403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818522150766322701.post-3978984050227753832011-09-25T13:24:00.000-07:002011-09-25T13:24:00.866-07:00Prayer for Ward<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamVQ5KAcbrstT7nvd4o0psDjJIQ7UdE4CA_YeOJV6FQuTmdruA2IGAgfCAj0CrU-4ho5S6xy-HOMuErQZF8bn0iyo8Q2kmgsyAcBPan5X45ubolEJe09M6tcnMN3baQmtUADLf84y0QNK/s1600/IMG_6603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamVQ5KAcbrstT7nvd4o0psDjJIQ7UdE4CA_YeOJV6FQuTmdruA2IGAgfCAj0CrU-4ho5S6xy-HOMuErQZF8bn0iyo8Q2kmgsyAcBPan5X45ubolEJe09M6tcnMN3baQmtUADLf84y0QNK/s320/IMG_6603.jpg" width="213" /></a></div> I just wanted to ask Wards prayer warriors to pray for our sweet boy tomorrow morning, Monday the 26th. The last ultrasound on Wards brain showed something new. After they put his shunt in, we had another ultrasound. As the fluid has drained from his brain the doctor now sees what appears to be a small cyst on his brain. He said it is not a danger to Ward but, he does want to do a MRI and see what we need to do. We have asked the Lord to remove it. So, Ward will have his MRI this Monday at 9:00. He will not be able to eat for 4 hours before the MRI. Please be in prayer for Ward. We are trusting the Lord.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1</div><br />
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Check out the story behind Wards African wrap. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #843ddf; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px;"><a href="http://www.mightyriver.wordpress.com/" style="color: #336699; text-decoration: none;">www.mightyriver.wordpress.com</a></span><br />
The Lord continues to use Ward for a mighty work!!Kimberly Elrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15846886932185549403noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818522150766322701.post-36935417894315639142011-09-05T21:42:00.000-07:002011-09-07T12:37:05.177-07:00Ward Smiles Our friend Allen asked Brian and I share our journey about Ward this past Sunday night at his church. Allen is the pastor of Braswell Baptist church and he and the church have been praying for us. It was an honor and blessing. I do have to admit I broke down on the Friday night prior to speaking. I asked the Lord is this too soon? It feels so raw. I knew in my heart I could not pass a chance to testify of my Jesus and His faithfulness. The little church is so homey and sweet. When you walk in the members make you feel like family. I took notes for what I wanted to share and NOW I feel the Lord leading me to blog about our journey and share what I shared with the church. I realized after Brian and I spoke what we have been through with Ward is unreal. You can see Gods hand all over. I am humbled beyond words that He [my Lord] picked us to go through this.<br />
<div> Last June Brian and I went to Honduras on a mission trip. Our first mission trip together. It is a very poor place with lot's of people in need. One day we had been out on the flat bed trucks taking food bags up into the mountains. The people in these remote, middle of no where villages would see the flat bed trucks coming and run out to greet you. They run out of huts with dirt floors. Some with shoes and some none. As we came down off the Mountain that day I had a though go through my head. I wondered where the Lord was and if He was who I believed Him to be. I HATE to share that but, it is part of my story. Seeing the sadness and not being able to do enough was too heart breaking. So, when we get home from Honduras we had news of a surprise that fall. Baby #4. Planned by God not Kim and Brian. When I was 19 weeks pregnant we went to find out the sex of our #4 baby. Our family came with us so we had a room full. After finding out the news of a baby boy my mom ask the tech " So everything is ok" She said no. She asked everyone to leave the room and told us she would have the doctor talk to us. I don't know much what he said. I felt numb. Our doctor sent us across the hall to the special dr. He showed us on another ultra sound that showed too much fluid on his brain. He said it could go away or it could continue to increase and we would need to have a shunt put in when he is born. He asked us if we might want to think about terminating the pregnancy. My heart hurt so bad at that point I wanted to get out of his office.<br />
The next day I took the kids to school and went home. I just wanted to be alone with the Lord. I wanted to ask him to heal my baby. I was sick to think this baby could be in pain. I knew at this point the maker was the one who could take care of our baby Ward. I wanted to ask Him and I wanted to remember the times in my life He had be faithful. I wrote it down that day after carpool. I felt the words in the verse. Psalm 91:4 He shall cover you with His feathers and under His wings you shall take refuge. I had no idea at this point the refuge I would find. I had a hard time talking to friends for some time. I am so thankful for all my sweet friends who gave me the time I needed. They would text me sweet notes that made me cry and feel so loved. We went back every few weeks to find more and more fluid on Wards brain. Those days were so tough. I wanted with all my heart to call my family and give them good news. I remember after one visit the doctor said the baby's head looks like it's getting pretty big. That same day the nurse told me she had never seen as much fluid as we were seeing. I got in the car to drive home and I just felt like I wanted to run. I wanted to get away from all the visits and the bad reports. I prayed and felt the Lord say "I got this Kim" Peace came over me. I was able to find joy in the midst of a storm. The Lord gave it. On another visit one of my doctors told me to find something to do to take my mind off things. He said like "crack pecans". I was thinking do you know I have 3 kids?? I have always loved to write so the Lord put it on my heart to start a blog. I always pray and ask Him what He would have me write. My heart was a blog that would point to Him and give Him glory. I could feel the Lord give me the words to write and I found strength in sharing what the Lord put on my heart.<br />
My pastors wife sent me a blog of a lady named Shannon Milsaps. I found Shannons blog and could not believe what I was reading. She told of going to Africa to minister to mothers who had chose to save there babies. You see if you have a baby like Ward in Uganda, Africa they believe that your cursed. The only way to break this curse is to throw the baby in the river and kill the baby. There is a hospital in Uganda that can do a shunt surgery, like Ward has, and can save the life of the babies. She was going on this mission trip in June. I emailed her and told her our story. She emailed me and said she would like to come pray over me. She came to my house many times and put her hands on my pregnant belly and prayed for me. The Lord sent her to me. She told me the Lord could heal Ward and she believed that. Her love for the Lord was so deep. I was so encouraged by her. The Lord sent Shannon to me and she is now a very close friend. She came by my house the other day and showed me pictures of her mission trip. Someone gave money in Wards name for a baby to have a shunt surgery. She told me how she held the sick baby and loved on her. I sent a book of pictures of Ward and Shannon gave it to the little babies mama. The mama had a smile as she looked at Ward and might have had some hope for her little girl. So Wards story touched a woman in Africa. I am humbled.<br />
I know now as I look back and remember my thoughts coming off that mountain in Honduras. I feel as if I am a different christian today. I know where the Lord is. He is right here with me. If I ever question that again I have a little boy who looked up at me and smiled for the first time the other day. Jesus is who He showed me He is. He has held me when I felt weak. He is my all and all. I feel many of those people in the mountains of Honduras would give testimony to that as well. My friend gave me a little sign for my birthday that said" Great is thy faithfulness on it". Oh, how those words go so deep in my heart. Tonight I held Ward as he was sleeping and I just pulled him close as my heart just swelled with love for him. I told the LORD how thankful I was for Ward and I told Him for the first time I would do it all over just to have my Ward!!!! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3U4NY1FR3rHnjSSYLUZZmOSnybiE35h0egfmsmvQTe_Rs9p1J4AJmowBDrl9YkJ-U9yuS529qhSjuMRS_LR34gwJH6vt2zFUwBDL2z1Rjv7RCUf5lKwmlXuTTl1vvItsxLfBsQVRh77u2/s1600/294037_269408683084734_153278418031095_1154307_3084423_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3U4NY1FR3rHnjSSYLUZZmOSnybiE35h0egfmsmvQTe_Rs9p1J4AJmowBDrl9YkJ-U9yuS529qhSjuMRS_LR34gwJH6vt2zFUwBDL2z1Rjv7RCUf5lKwmlXuTTl1vvItsxLfBsQVRh77u2/s320/294037_269408683084734_153278418031095_1154307_3084423_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> </div>Kimberly Elrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15846886932185549403noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818522150766322701.post-15694968429211601892011-07-24T21:38:00.000-07:002011-07-24T21:38:08.334-07:00Head start in Uganda<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZYs_6xqvfRUudCvTUQTwBI4tP7dQC42ZYkqE3nMtT7-Dsom_xZz4M2Dbh53KNBTFSnr36mnRw7HGbjcviObw-onymRblRiFwJSGR0ijzjc2Vah0ldYxIVVnqi0-ZOKf-52BCOFvPBNxa/s1600/IMG_5922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZYs_6xqvfRUudCvTUQTwBI4tP7dQC42ZYkqE3nMtT7-Dsom_xZz4M2Dbh53KNBTFSnr36mnRw7HGbjcviObw-onymRblRiFwJSGR0ijzjc2Vah0ldYxIVVnqi0-ZOKf-52BCOFvPBNxa/s320/IMG_5922.JPG" width="213" /></a></div> The other night I was putting some things away in Wards baby nursery. My boys were so excited to help me. I put a new piggy bank on Wards changing table. At some point the boys disappeared into their room down the hall. I went to check on them and they had their piggybanks open on the floor. I was a bit upset because they were making a mess and it was bed time. My middle son Weston got six dollars out and started back to Wards room. I asked him what he was doing. He said "Mom we are giving Ward a head start." Both boys put money in Wards new baby bank. I just stood there as tears ran down my face. That is what we asked the Lord for. A head start for Ward. Jesus gives us that hope. So, as I look back at countless answered prayers, I know that the Lord hears. Now, as I pray for my friend Shannon Milsaps as she prepares for her mission trip to Ugaunda. I am asking the Lord to give these babies with hydrocephalus a head start. Shannon was given $1000 to pay for a surgery. Like Ward this baby has fluid on his brain. Like Ward this baby will have a shunt placed inside his brain to drain the fluid. Like Ward this baby will be given a gift of life that otherwise would not have been available. What strikes me as the big difference in my situation and this mothers situation is when we found out our babies were not perfect. The doctor told us about Ward and the fluid that was on his brain at 19 weeks. When this mom in Uganda had her baby placed in her arms she must have been overcome with fear. She realizes in a moment she is in a tribe that believes this is a curse and the only way to break it is murder. To throw your baby in a river to break this curse. I am overwelmed with the fact that our differences are bigger. I have had my Jesus to walk me through this with Ward. This mom in Uganda must feel so hopeless. There is nothing more that can pierce the heart of a mother that thinking something will happen to her child. Shannon will also be able to witness to the mother of this baby. She will be able to tell her about this Jesus that has held me so tight. What a blessing that is going to be. I can just feel the joy of the mothers heart as her child is chosen to have this surgery. This child like Ward will get a head start. So, thank you Shannon for being willing and available. I am on my knees for you and I can't wait for you to tell of this baby who gets a head start! Please be in prayer for Shannon. She is on her way to Africa tonight. I Love you Shannon and I am blessed by you and your obedient heart.Kimberly Elrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15846886932185549403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818522150766322701.post-30278955021727667982011-06-28T21:18:00.000-07:002011-06-29T05:21:09.693-07:00Oh Praise Him Ward is Here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkebOY68fU7OwX_LAk1z4lCbEGkSiiMlg3gkchTVBpf0rwyfmpPsmgKSdT0Fy1EFqh5hAfwxVq-SJh2x_auFY5Qxb7Z_byxslIN_vrKRAGzgokYcmJZg7Hh6Usxnd9ak-OuNp4P8tHAuO/s1600/CIMG4516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkebOY68fU7OwX_LAk1z4lCbEGkSiiMlg3gkchTVBpf0rwyfmpPsmgKSdT0Fy1EFqh5hAfwxVq-SJh2x_auFY5Qxb7Z_byxslIN_vrKRAGzgokYcmJZg7Hh6Usxnd9ak-OuNp4P8tHAuO/s320/CIMG4516.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkebOY68fU7OwX_LAk1z4lCbEGkSiiMlg3gkchTVBpf0rwyfmpPsmgKSdT0Fy1EFqh5hAfwxVq-SJh2x_auFY5Qxb7Z_byxslIN_vrKRAGzgokYcmJZg7Hh6Usxnd9ak-OuNp4P8tHAuO/s1600/CIMG4516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>A few weeks back I took the kids to school. When I got home I talked with Brian and went in the kitchen to check on Whitney. For some reason I looked at my china cabinet in the kitchen. A plate that Brian and I had got for a wedding gift just caught my eye. The plate has a picture of a woman who is on her knees praying. She has her bible in front of her. I just thought of the many times I have been on my knees like her in these past months. I knew it had a scripture on the bottom of the plate. I walked over to see what verse it was. I had not really looked at the plate in a long time. I had no idea what verse it could be. It said "He shall hear my voice" Ps 55:17. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkapoyaYJw9iRH6hQ3eLC-1ZK3kqHCBvyOo50ddRZ2o0Qp40DrkpFEQIV5BtHVOgSWORDJ-oEbE30alOMFHIT-ldmXcAKaYVoMdtRqpEQIYvN4LdT1LRDqxE0mTYyxOoA0IPIVd_EEMhR/s1600/IMG_0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkapoyaYJw9iRH6hQ3eLC-1ZK3kqHCBvyOo50ddRZ2o0Qp40DrkpFEQIV5BtHVOgSWORDJ-oEbE30alOMFHIT-ldmXcAKaYVoMdtRqpEQIYvN4LdT1LRDqxE0mTYyxOoA0IPIVd_EEMhR/s320/IMG_0010.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I got my bible and looked it up. I wanted to know the whole scripture. "Evening, morning and noon I will pray and cry aloud and He shall hear my voice". I felt the Lord say this is for you Kim. I was so overwelmed. I felt like I had been given a gift. I could press on. So, weeks passed and I had a doctors visit in Atlanta. I was 35 weeks, so it was just a visit to check everything. On the drive to Atlanta I was not feeling great. My stomach was getting tight and my back hurt. Well, long story short I was in labor and my doctor sent me to the hospital. They could not stop the labor and my nurse said "Looks like we are going to have a birthday today." They got me ready for my cesarean. As I am walking back to the room where I will meet this baby I have been praying for, I asked the Lord for a word. I needed Him in that moment. As soon as I did I could feel Ps 55:17. It was as if the Lord was whispering in my ear. I hear your voice Kim. The days,weeks and months leading up to this day had been prayed over by so many. I was about to see this face I had been asking the Lord to heal. Over and over I had asked Him. Somedays I felt as if all I could whisper was"heal him Lord". When Ward was born I just wanted to hear his cry. He was early and I knew in my heart if I could hear a strong cry he would have that fighting spirit I had ask the Lord for. Brian was by my side as our sweet boy was born. The room was quiet as they put him on the warming table next to us. I could hear the voice of my sweet husband in my ear as he whispered prayers. At last Ward let out a very strong cry. Brian was able to look at him and they let me see him for a second. He was beautiful. He was so pink! They took him to NICU. From this point he went from Piedmont to Egleston Childrens Hospital. He had his shunt surgery the next day (diagram of shunt below). He did great. A small tube was placed under his skin behind his ear. It runs to his tummy and that is where the fluid drains. So much had happen in the past few weeks from the time of his birth to now. I have been asking the Lord to give me the words to even put down to share. I can't find them at the moment. My heart is so full and my spirit is overwhelmed. I want to hug and thank every person who prayed for us and Ward. I have never felt so engulfed by prayer and the Love of Jesus. Five days after Ward was born my sweet sister took me from the NICU with Ward to Calhoun to see my G [grandfather] in ICU. G went home to be with the Lord 6 days after Ward was born. My heart felt as if it was in a million pieces. The day of the funeral I called out to the Holy Spirit every time I felt as if I could not find another breath. It was as if he wrapped His arm around me and carried me through that time. I know the Lord gives and the Lord takes away.[Job 1:21]When we got home from 15 days in the NICU I did not even know how to feel. What had we just been through? How do I pray now Lord? The Lord spoke to my heart as I was listening to a song by The David Crowder Band. Oh PRAISE HIM. So, that is what I have been doing. Over and over I am praising Him. For a baby that is here and healthy. A baby that the doctor asked if we wanted to abort. A baby that I hold in my arms and see a miracle. So praise Him. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"></span></div><div class="i1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/images/borders3.png); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: no-repeat repeat; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 12px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div class="i2" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/images/borders3.png); background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 0px; background-repeat: no-repeat repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 12px; padding-top: 0px;"><div class="i3" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 1px; width: 948px;"><div id="pbody" style="clear: both; margin-top: 15px; padding-left: 30px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; word-wrap: break-word;"><div class="group" id="encymain" style="margin-bottom: 40px; width: 918px;"><div class="fullvideobox" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/images/vidbox_bottom.png); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 80px; width: 540px;"><div class="fullvideobox_top" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/images/vidbox_top.png); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; padding-bottom: 25px; padding-top: 25px;"><ul class="series group" id="slides" style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: -15px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><li style="display: inline;"><a class="left_arr" href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/presentations/100123_3.htm" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/images/ency_seriesbtn.png); background-origin: initial; background-position: -38px 0px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; color: white; display: inline-block; font-size: 1px; font-weight: bold; height: 19px; margin-right: 2px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle; width: 19px;"><span class="offscr" style="left: -9999px; position: absolute; width: 990px;">Previous</span></a></li>
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</ul><div class="encyimg" style="margin-left: 23px; width: 480px;"><div class="hrdbox_video_ns bg_white" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/images/box_no_shadow_video.png); background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; position: relative;"><div class="hrdbox_video_head_ns head bg_white fg_blue" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/images/box_no_shadow_video.png); background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font: normal normal bold 1.05em/normal Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; padding-right: 5px; text-align: left;"><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/images/box_no_shadow_video.png); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; min-height: 25px; padding-left: 25px; z-index: 2;"><h3 style="color: #3f526b; display: inline-block; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; font: normal normal normal 1em/1.2 'Lucida Grande', Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px;">Procedure</h3></div></div><div class="hrdbox_video_content_ns" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/images/box_no_shadow_video.png); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 1.5em; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.7em; position: relative;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><img alt="Procedure" src="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/images/ency/fullsize/12726.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; cursor: move; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Procedure" /></div><div class="media-desc" style="border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 3px; margin-left: 5px; margin-top: 15px; padding-left: 20px; padding-top: 30px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">A small catheter is passed into a ventricle of the brain. A pump is attached to the catheter to keep the fluid away from the brain. Another catheter is attached to the pump and tunneled under the skin, behind the ear, down the neck and chest and into the peritoneal cavity (abdominal cavity). The CSF is absorbed in the peritoneal cavity.</div><div><br />
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</span></span>Kimberly Elrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15846886932185549403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818522150766322701.post-82335773753787347372011-05-15T19:42:00.000-07:002011-05-15T19:42:32.085-07:00Hallelujah<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/r9WXUlERHKc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We went to see my grandparents for Easter Sunday. They have a beautiful home in the country. They have a barn next to there house. My sister thought it would be great fun to take my picture out by the barn. I was not sure, but she told me I would be glad I did. So, late that afternoon we got our stuff and walked out to the barn. The grass hadn't been cut because it would be cut for hay when it was ready. We had to walk in what felt like a mile of waist high grass. It was so hard to even see my next step. I was tired and really sick of it. I wanted to go back to the house. I was behind my sister with her camera. She was so excited so I just kept following her. Finally, we got to the barn. I turned around to look back and really could not believe my big prego self had made it. It overwhelmed me as I looked back at that grass. It was so tall. How did I get through it. I was so glad to be to the barn. I could not help thinking of what I have been walking through with this pregnancy. I have had trouble seeing where to step. Somedays I want to go back to life as it was. Yet, I keep pressing on to what He has. Knowing that He has a plan and this is part of it. I can't get that song out of my head "Walk by Faith" by Jeremy Camp. He talks about walking by faith even when you can not see, because this broken road prepares Your will for me. The song ends with hallelujah, I will walk by faith. Somewhere between being told the news of fluid being on Wards brain and now, I have found what it means to walk by faith even when I can not see. Somehow, I have found peace in a place that looked as if peace did not exist. I know that the somehow is my Jesus. My savior without whom I would be nothing. When I looked at the pictures my sister took it hit me... as I looked at myself I realized the Lord has led me to this place of hallelujah!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxsTsx8qyxGeNf97gICKaqjA8BK33wEvNmiToboc_Kg5wZMVX4mSMjMD9fog9auREPuLDSWXv0mLfijIt9ZrGwF56LXaj46gkr1vUiLowkvR-FZqo22tShnm5QWs57-Nek-X36bsPS3Qqo/s1600/kimcolorwash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxsTsx8qyxGeNf97gICKaqjA8BK33wEvNmiToboc_Kg5wZMVX4mSMjMD9fog9auREPuLDSWXv0mLfijIt9ZrGwF56LXaj46gkr1vUiLowkvR-FZqo22tShnm5QWs57-Nek-X36bsPS3Qqo/s320/kimcolorwash.jpg" width="213px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">HEBREWS 11:1 - "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."</div>Kimberly Elrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15846886932185549403noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818522150766322701.post-70573697931665033312011-05-10T18:49:00.000-07:002011-05-10T19:52:23.542-07:00Wondrous Works<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXU9qVDf_twZsT3auwHTT0QuHJtGzr6C-MwBJVYn3DeKRz-GMY6swK5SYN2RAYO5C6XnwifUqhXq1iqjUhO9UTDmnjAJSHh4-G6stBQi1L9Eppf0dhiZlDzTcMHbkMRwwCoEOc7ex55Em/s1600/pregward.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXU9qVDf_twZsT3auwHTT0QuHJtGzr6C-MwBJVYn3DeKRz-GMY6swK5SYN2RAYO5C6XnwifUqhXq1iqjUhO9UTDmnjAJSHh4-G6stBQi1L9Eppf0dhiZlDzTcMHbkMRwwCoEOc7ex55Em/s320/pregward.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>I was thinking this morning about the first time I knew the Lord answered my prayer. I was in 6th grade. I was a new Christian but, I had a strong belief in prayer. There was a red headed girl in my class. She looked like such fun. I just knew she would be a great friend. I asked the Lord for her friendship. I don't know how long it was, but that same year she and I became close friends. Courtney was my first answered prayer. We are still friends to this day. The answered prayer does not end there. It is a picture of the Lord's faithfulness only He can paint. Around that same year we had a speaker in our weekly chapel at my Christian school. She spoke on the importance of praying Gods word. She said she had prayed Ps 1:1-3 for her husband. She said she had prayed for a Christian husband for years. She said the Lord answered her prayers. That was all she had to tell me. I wanted one of those Christian husbands she talked about. I started to pray Ps 1:1-3. I prayed for that Christian husband over the next 12 years. Courtney was the reason I met my husband Brian. So, when I think of answered prayer I can't help but, think back to my 6th grade prayer being answered. What would it be like if I had not asked the Lord for what my heart desired? I will never know. I do know the power of praying scripture is strong. When I read PS 1:1-3 I know that Brian is every word of those 3 verses. I now pray that same scripture for my 2 boys and soon to be 3 boys. This past week Will my oldest son came home with his scripture memory verse for school. I got an email from his teacher saying he would really need to work on this because this is there big verse for the year. Do you know what verse it was? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-13941" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">1</sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Blessed is the man</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> who does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">or stand in the path of sinners </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> or sit in the seat of scornful;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-13942" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">2</sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">but his delight is in the law of the LORD,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> and in His law he meditates day and night.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-13943" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">3</sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> He shall be like</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> a tree planted by the rivers of water,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> That bring forth it's fruit in season</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">and whose leaf does not wither—</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> whatever he does he shall prospers. Psalms 1:1-3</span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"></div> When I looked at his homework study sheet I was so excited. The scripture I had prayed for his daddy he would now learn. I grabbed Will up. I said "Will, I have to tell you these are the verses I have prayed for your dad. Even before we met each other. Every word in these 3 verses are who your dad is." He just laughed. I turned around to see what he was looking at. His daddy was smiling and pointing to himself behind me in the kitchen! Brian knows the power from praying scripture. Those 6th grade prayers are still bearing fruit to this day. I have had so much comfort in my bible over these past weeks. I have sticky tabs in my bible. Any verse I pray for what we are going through and for Ward I mark it with a blue sticky tab. If you open my bible you will see it is covered with blue tabs. I still believe in praying scripture and I know He hears.<br />
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O God, You have taught me from my youth; And to this day I declare Your wondrous works. Psalm 71:17<br />
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</div>Kimberly Elrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15846886932185549403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818522150766322701.post-78911822810238591692011-04-14T17:48:00.000-07:002011-04-16T20:30:00.750-07:00I still see Your faceI know He created me and knows everything about me. Yet, when he gives me what I need, when I need it, I am blown away. I am such a people person. A few weeks back the Lord sent me a new friend. Her name is Shannon. Prior to speaking with her or meeting her, I felt an instant connection with her as I was reading her blog. In July she will go to Uganda on a mission trip. She will be going to a hospital there that takes care of babies that have hydrocephalus [a condition in which fluid accumulates in the brain]. There is a tribe in Uganda that believes babies born with hydrocephalus are cursed. The people think the only way to break the curse is to throw these babies in the river and kill them. The hospital in Uganda can do surgery for the babies. Yet, many babies are still being killed. So, when I was reading her blog I knew I had to tell her my story. So, I emailed her. After several emails and a lot of crying and rejoicing for me, she came to pray over me at my house. This beautiful new friend of mine. A total stranger weeks back was at my side whispering prayers to our Jesus. She along with Brian and I are asking and believing the Lord is healing Ward. Some moments I feel as if I am feeling around in the dark. Just looking for some bit of light. These times have been short lived. I just continue to call out to Him and I see His face. I see His face in my new friend, I see His face in a letter in the mail. I see His face in an email from a friend to share her story about her baby. A baby who had issues at birth. I see His face at the play ground as I talk to a mom who has had a baby with a heart condition. A mom who helps me remember God is faithful. I see His face as I ask in prayer for another mother to talk to. A mom who has had a child who has hydrocephalus. I see His face as I PICK UP THE PHONE and the answer to my prayers is the mother I asked the Lord to send. So, just when I start to look He is there. He always is! The Lord has sent me comfort through believers. I see His face as we went back to the doctor to be told more fluid is on Wards brain. I am believing God for something beyond words. I am TRUSTING in Him with the out come of Ward. I am believing my worry is finished and I pressing on toward what He has. Today I called out to Him and told Him my heart. I know and I trust Him and I look to Him alone. I still see His face!<br />
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</div><div>A friend of mine sent me this picture when she was in Florida. I love how you can see the glow of the sun under the clouds. The ocean is rough and the sky is gray but, the light of the sun is still seen. Just the way my Jesus has been as we walk through this time.</div><div><div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"></span><br />
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</div></div></div></span></div></div></div></div></div>Kimberly Elrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15846886932185549403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818522150766322701.post-23919003509658294732011-03-28T18:59:00.000-07:002011-03-29T13:58:41.778-07:00SprinklesSprinkles are what taste so good on top of my cup cake. Yet, over the past week's the Lord has given a new meaning of sprinkles to me! The road I am on has been painful and seams long. Yet, those sprinkles have been so sweet in this valley I walk through. Through out my life I have been blessed with many Christian friends who love our Lord Jesus. I have had the chance to pray for them and them for me. Yet, the day came when my heart was in a million pieces. Those sprinkles God had given me over the years showed up. My head was covered in sprinkles daily. I could feel them as I would open my eyes at 6 a.m. I could feel those sweet sprinkles in an email or a text to say I am praying. I could feel them grab me and whisper sweet prayers over me and this unborn baby boy. I could feel the sprinkles of prayers from Honduras. I could feel them when the day was long and the quiet of the night was so tough. Week's have crept by since we found out the news of our unborn baby, Ward. The Lord has given me such comfort in these sprinkles. The many faithful Christians all around me, willing to pray for a friend in need. I feel blessed! This morning a teacher in carpool touched my hand and said "Kim I am praying for your baby." As I drove away I just thanked the Lord for my morning sprinkle!!!Kimberly Elrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15846886932185549403noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818522150766322701.post-46554447635456504182011-03-28T18:52:00.000-07:002011-03-28T18:52:30.717-07:00More than a HealerWe have been praying constantly for the Lord to heal our baby, Ward. We have other more specific prayers but, we continue to ask for healing of the fluid on his brain. The other morning I was up praying and I had such a sense that the Lord was covering me with His feathers. Like the verse in Psalms 91:4 He shall cover you with His feathers; And under His wing you shall take refuge; I have prayed that verse before but, never felt as though I was covered by Him. I realized that yes, we have been asking the Lord to heal Ward. Yet, the Lord is meeting need's I did not know I had. I have felt such protection from Him. I am seeing Jesus in a different way. The needs he meets are unnumbered. The care He takes of His children is unexplainable. [Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Ps 34:8] I am just thankful He covered me that morning. I started to think of the names of Jesus. Below is a list of the names of Jesus. Who is He to you today?<br />
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<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 500px;"><tbody>
<tr><td><h2 align="center"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Name above all names...</span></h2><h3 align="center"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The names of Jesus Christ</span></h3><div align="center"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="1" height="299" src="http://www.jesuschristis.com/images/jesusnames.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Advocate (1 John 2:1)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Almighty (Rev. 1:8; Mt. 28:18)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Alpha and Omega (Rev. 1:8; 22:13)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Amen (Rev. 3:14)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Apostle of our Profession (Heb. 3:1)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Atoning Sacrifice for our Sins (1 John 2:2)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Author of Life (Acts 3:15)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Author and Perfecter of our Faith (Heb. 12:2)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Author of Salvation (Heb. 2:10)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Beginning and End (Rev. 22:13)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Blessed and only Ruler (1 Tim. 6:15)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> .Bread of God (John 6:33)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Bread of Life (John 6:35; 6:48)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Bridegroom (Mt. 9:15)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Capstone (Acts 4:11; 1 Pet. 2:7)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Chief Cornerstone (Eph. 2:20)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Chief Shepherd (1 Pet. 5:4)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Christ (1 John 2:22)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Creator (John 1:3)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Deliverer (Rom. 11:26)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Eternal Life (1 John 1:2; 5:20)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Gate (John 10:9)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Faithful and True (Rev. 19:11)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Faithful Witness (Rev. 1:5)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Faith and True Witness (Rev. 3:14)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> First and Last (Rev. 1:17; 2:8; 22:13)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Firstborn From the Dead (Rev. 1:5)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Firstborn over all creation (Col. 1:15)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Gate (John 10:9)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> God (John 1:1; 20:28; Heb. 1:8; Rom. 9:5)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Good Shepherd (John 10:11,14)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Great Shepherd (Heb. 13:20)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Great High Priest (Heb. 4:14)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Head of the Church (Eph. 1:22; 4:15; 5:23)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Heir of all things (Heb. 1:2)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> High Priest (Heb. 2:17)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Holy and True (Rev. 3:7)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Holy One (Acts 3:14)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Hope (1 Tim. 1:1)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Hope of Glory (Col. 1:27)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Horn of Salvation (Luke 1:69)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> I Am (John 8:58)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Image of God (2 Cor. 4:4)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Immanuel (Mt. 1:23)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Judge of the living and the dead (Acts 10:42)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> King Eternal (1 Tim. 1:17)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> King of Israel (John 1:49)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> King of the Jews (Mt. 27:11)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> King of kings (1 Tim 6:15; Rev. 19:16)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> King of the Ages (Rev. 15:3)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Lamb (Rev. 13:8)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Lamb of God (John 1:29)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Lamb Without Blemish (1 Pet. 1:19)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Last Adam (1 Cor. 15:45)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Life (John 14:6; Col. 3:4)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Light of the World (John 8:12)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Rev. 5:5)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Living One (Rev. 1:18)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Living Stone (1 Pet. 2:4)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Lord (2 Pet. 2:20)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Lord of All (Acts 10:36)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Lord of Glory (1 Cor. 2:8)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Lord of lords (Rev. 19:16)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Man from Heaven (1 Cor. 15:48)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Mediator of the New Covenant (Heb. 9:15)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Mighty God (Isa. 9:6)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Morning Star (Rev. 22:16)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Offspring of David (Rev. 22:16)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Only Begotten Son of God (John 1:18; 1 John 4:9)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Our Great God and Savior (Titus 2:13)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Our Holiness (1 Cor. 1:30)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Our Husband (2 Cor. 11:2)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Our Protection (2 Thess. 3:3)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Our Redemption (1 Cor. 1:30)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Our Righteousness (1 Cor. 1:30)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Our Sacrificed Passover Lamb (1 Cor. 5:7)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Power of God (1 Cor. 1:24)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Precious Cornerstone (1 Pet. 2:6)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Prophet (Acts 3:22)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Rabbi (Mt. 26:25)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Resurrection and Life (John 11:25)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Righteous Branch (Jer. 23:5)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Righteous One (Acts 7:52; 1 John 2:1)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Rock (1 Cor. 10:4)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Root of David (Rev. 5:5; 22:16)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Ruler of God’s Creation (Rev. 3:14)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Ruler of the Kings of the Earth (Rev. 1:5)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Savior (Eph. 5:23; Titus 1:4; 3:6; 2 Pet. 2:20)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Son of David (Lk. 18:39)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Son of God (John 1:49; Heb. 4:14)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Son of Man (Mt. 8:20)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Son of the Most High God (Lk. 1:32)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Source of Eternal Salvation for believers (Heb. 5:9)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> The One Mediator (1 Tim. 2:5)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> The Stone the builders rejected (Acts 4:11)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> True Bread (John 6:32)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> True Light (John 1:9)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> True Vine (John 15:1)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Truth (John 1:14; 14:6)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Way (John 14:6)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:24)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Word (John 1:1)<br />
<strong>Jesus Christ is...</strong> Word of God (Rev. 19:13)</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Kimberly Elrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15846886932185549403noreply@blogger.com0