Answered Prayer



It’s almost been a week since we had to give Ripley formula instead of breast milk. The reason for the change was that Ripley was not gaining weight and her pediatrician was thinking that Ripley was rejecting the protein in Teresa’s milk. Our pediatrician gave us a sample of a special formula high in iron. I started to pray that we can at least start alternating from formula and breast milk. One, breast milk is best for Ripley and good for Teresa, and two, breast milk is free and this special formula cost $28 for a 16 ounce container.

Teresa called the pediatrician today and since Ripley is doing well on the formula, the doctor OKed us to start to alternate from formula and breast milk. This is an answer to our prayers because this will help with the cost and shows Ripley is doing well. She looks like she is rounder in the face and thus gaining weight. We will find out Monday if she is gaining and my main prayer to God is for the pediatrician to see her weight gain and just have us breast feed. That would be awesome.

Our God is the creator of the universe and He cares for us. He cares for every little thing concerning us. Teresa and I are His children; we have Jesus as our Savior and thus we are God’s children. God the Father has everything in the palm of His hand; making everything run perfectly and He takes time out to answer the small requests and the big. That just amazes me.

From the day Teresa told me she was pregnant, I have been praying that God will save Ripley. I pray that God will draw her to Himself and that she will accept the gift Jesus Christ gave by taking man’s place on the cross. Lord willing, when Ripley accepts Jesus we will not only a physical family but also a spiritual one, too. That will be an awesome answer to my prayers.

Ripley Enjoying Some Formula

This week, we had to start giving Ripley formula. The doctor is thinking her body is rejecting the protein in Teresa's breast milk. Teresa took the below photos as she feed her today. Lord willing, we can go back to the breast milk. It's better for Ripley and good for Teresa. Besides the breast milk diapers are nice and smell free. I changed my first formula diaper today and it was not pleasant to say the least.

It's feeding time!

"That's right, I want all of it. This is some good stuff."

The face of a formula drunk. Now that's a satisfied consumer.

"Oh, ya. My tummy is nice and full. Someone lay me down. Mommy, do it now!"

You can almost see the sandman coming in her face.

Ripley fights so hard against the sandman but loses every fight.

Daddy Time


The last few hours at work today went by so slow. All I could think about is how much I wanted to see my two ladies. When I got home, I gave them both a kiss. Teresa needed to do some stuff so I got to have some Daddy Time with Ripley. I just can’t get over how precious she is. She is so adorable.

Baby Ripley had her 1 month doctor appointment today. Teresa reports that she has grown 1 inch (she's now 20.5 inches long) and her head grew 1 inch (I knew she was smart; brain growing). She has not gained any weight so she is still at 7 pounds 8 ounces. We've felt that Ripley could have acid reflux because she tends to get this look on her face and she smacks her lips like she tastes something not good after she feeds. The doctor has prescribed something for us to give her. We noticed the other day that Ripley had a rusted look in her diapers and the doctor is thinking her body is rejecting protein from Teresa's breast milk. We have to buy this special formula and Ripley will need to feed on that for at least a week and then the doctor will see if we can go back to breast feeding. Teresa will pump this week and Lord willing Ripley can go back to the breast. Teresa told me that Ripley had a rough day because of the shot in her thigh. There is a cute little band-aid on it.
Teresa and I are in good spirits because this is something God will handle. Ripley is so adorable and precious. I look forward to seeing what type of person she will grow into. Ripley is in good health despite the rough first month of life she has done.

Through all this, God is good. He has provided me with a great job with great insurance. He is taking care of us and He will make sure Ripley grows and knows Him as Savior.

Ripley Tests Her New Swing

After several weeks, we finally put the new part on Ripley's swing. Below are her enjoying it.

Ripley not sure about the swing at first and then just relaxes.

Ripley can swing while keeping her dukes up.

Ripley testing riding her swing.

Ripley enjoying her swing.

Christmas 2009

What a great day for us; we have our health, our baby, and the gift of God in our hearts. What else would we ever want or need. We are enjoying a quiet day at home with our little gift from God. Our families are safe in their houses and enjoying their days as well.

Today is a mix of old and new traditions. First the new, I made pancakes, eggs, and bacon and want for this to be a new tradition when we are together. The old tradition is reading the Luke 2 account of Christmas before opening the gifts. We were given some nice gifts and are thankful for them.

Below are some photos of Ripley and us. If you want to see more, go to FaceBook. Merry Christmas!

Yes, Ripley is small enough to fit in her stocking.

Our tree.

Our stockings hung with care.

Ripley in her Christmas dress.

Ripley with Tom.

Teresa and Ripley.

Tom doing the Thomasson tradition of reading Luke 2 before opening gift. Granddad Thomasson started this one many years ago.

The gift with her gifts.

Ripley's gift from her grandparents and family members.

Teresa holding Ripley after the gifts are open.

My two ladies and me in front of the tree.

My Little Girl


I can’t say enough on how much I love my little girl. Ripley is so adorable and precious. She is a gift from God and I can’t believe she is here. It still feels like it was just yesterday I was talk to Teresa’s stomach and now she is 4.5 weeks old. She still just sits there staring at me with her big eyes. She is so tiny and fragile.

Ripley has been fussy today and Teresa has been holding her most of the day. After I ate our dinner, I took Ripley for some Daddy time. Teresa went down stairs to eat and I sat in the glider beside the bed. She had been somewhat claim when I took her but I could tell she was fighting the sandman; you never fight the sandman, he always wins. I just held her and glided looking at her fight the good fight and losing. According to Teresa, I look the same way when I’m tired and/or waking up (slowly). Of course, she looked adorable. After a good while, I looked down and she was out. So I just sat and glided and held my little bit of sunshine. She slept almost an hour while I held her.

Every time I looked down, I got caught by the beauty that is God. He formed this little girl from Teresa and my chromosomes; I’m hoping He took my best ones (all of Teresa’s are good). I thought how can someone so little and fragile change our lives so much for the good. Teresa and I are so blessed this year with God carrying us through the one income, the pregnancy of Ripley, the delivery of Ripley, and the surgery of Ripley. Our God is awesome. Thank you Lord for Your faithfulness.

Wondering Why



I received an e-mail today that made me think about what Teresa and I went through only 2 weeks ago with Ripley. It’s hard to believe it’s only been 2 weeks since we found out about Ripley’s intestinal malrotation and the surgery to fix it. Not once did I ask God why this was going on with Ripley. I think Teresa asked why and I know for sure my sister was asking why but I never did. I’m not sure why I didn’t; I just had a sense of peace that God would carry Ripley through the surgery and fully recover and He did just that.

The foresaid e-mail was a forward from a friend of mind. She has been forwarding e-mails from missionaries to Mongolia about their sick daughter. I prayed as I received them. The last e-mail was of the family coming back to the U.S. to seek medical care. The newest e-mail hit very close to home for me and made me wonder why for the first time. The e-mail read;

“Dear Friends and Family,

We so much appreciate your prayers, thoughts, cards, concern… This past week has been very difficult for Lydia and I. On Monday, we met with the doctors and told them that we had decided not to do chemotherapy. It was a rough meeting with the doctors strongly pressing their case for chemotherapy. However, they have accepted our decision and Esther comes home today (12.23.09). We will do a small amount of traveling to visit relatives over the next month or so and then be in Springfield, MO until Esther goes home. The doctors have given 2 – 6 months, but no one really knows for sure. Once we are done with the traveling (we want to visit family in Mississippi, Kentucky, and Indiana), we will have pediatric hospice involved. Our doctor in Bolivar and hospice will oversee Esther’s care. We appreciate your prayers as we go through this very difficult time.”

This message left me wondering why God carried my little girl through her ordeal, and not to heal this child. I know there is no reason that I need to know but it has left me to wonder what God has planned for Ripley. Was the malrotation about teaching Teresa and/or me a faith lesson? Or was it to reach one of our loved ones His love and show yes that God is in control. I may never know the answer to this question. I trust that God knows what He is doing and he will carry this family through the situation with their daughter and the aftermath of her going “home.”

Our children are not ours; they are gifts from God Himself. Commit them to His care, and He will take care of them. Never withhold your children from his prefect will for their lives. Whatever plans you may have for them pales compared to his plans for them. Give them back to Him.

Daily, I thank God for healing Ripley. The last if the surgical tape has fallen off the there is just a faint pink line that will just about disappear one day. I’m awestruck with God when I think about what He has done for my little girl. With the e-mail today, I’m felt wondering why He did what He did for Ripley and what He has planned for this family.

Please join me in praying for comfort and peace for the Elliott family; missionaries to Mongolia through the Baptist Bible Fellowship Intl.

New Ripley Pics

Teresa took some new photos of Ripley today. She took a couple of me with her. I like to image what Ripley is thinking or saying when she makes noises. Ripley is growing more adorable everyday. See below are the new photos and what I think she is thinking.

"I think Daddy can understand me. He talks back to me when I say something."

"I like it when Daddy talk to me. Daddy's funny."

"I have all the room I want, and this rain sound is so nice to sleep with."

"What a good nap. This is a soft bed."

"Do you mind? I'm trying to wake up. No press allowed."

Levels of Commitment


With the snow hitting the east coast, many places had 12 inches plus and it shut down everything. We here in the south-side of Hampton Roads had a dusting of snow; less than an inch. I wrote a comment on FaceBook this morning, “We actually got a bit of snow here in the south-side of Hampton Roads. Not much but enough to cover cars. It makes me wonder how many will allow this to keep them from attending church?” We had maybe 45 people in total (including children) in church today. I called a gentleman to see if he will make it to the men’s class. He told me that the family would not come to church today. I didn’t ask why because I was in shock. Another gentleman from the class called the same man after me and was told the same thing and he asked why. The answer wasn’t a sound one. I guess he felt convicted from our calls and he and his family made it to church. I told him that God used us to convict him. His response was, “That’s alright Tom.” I looked at him and said, “I wasn’t apologizing for it; just making a statement.”

I’m not trying to sound judgmental, but we have levels of commitment. Some Christ-followers don’t see church attendance as important. Jerry Bridges comments in an article on commitment, “As I have watched the parade of people through our church, and other churches. I wonder why so few commit themselves to a local body of believers in a significant way. Many sit and soak and do little else, and they flee at the first sign of trouble or pressure. They fail to become involved or to give; the priority for corporate worship falls far down on the list. They criticize all that is wrong with a specific local congregation. . . What can we do besides comment or complain? We need to accept the challenge to commit ourselves to responsible membership.”

The local church is the first level of commitment outside of our personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The local church with all its imperfections is still the Lord’s major avenue through which he accomplishes His work. The church gathers for worship, teaching and fellowship to gain power to carry out the ministry as each member lives, works, and shares God in the world.

Hebrews 10: 24-25
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,
not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some,

Church attendance and participation ranks with visiting Grandpa’s grave, calling your college roommate and viewing the new wing of the art museum. You have every intention of doing it unless of course something else important comes up. In far too many lives, church attendance seems to be put in last place. Commitment to church is deeper than just attendance to the worship services, but it does begin there.

Whatever you are passionate about, you put all your strength toward. I have a feeling a lot of Christ-followers aren’t as passionate (or committed) to church as our fellow brothers and sisters were in the first century. Just my thoughts.

No Go Zones



Since Ripley is doing very well and I have no new photos of my little angle, I thought I go back to writing down my thoughts. My blog originally started because a friend encouraged me to write about our church planting effects, and then it morphed into a way for me to sleep. You see I need to download my thoughts from time to time so I can sleep; if I don’t I just lay in bed thinking. Some of these thoughts have turned into introductions to sermons but most are just for me. I try to get the grammar and spelling correct in case other people read this blog. Sometimes I fail on both. ; - )

I’ve written this before but I avoid sweets. I’ve never been drawn to them even as a kid, but I choose to say no to sweets to maintain my weight loss. This time of the year, we have vendors who send sweets as a thank you for using their serves during the year. The Logistic Division is broken into three departments; Outbound Transportation (the department I work in), Domestic Inbound, and International Inbound (or Imports). The Departments have our own aisle, and this time of year the sweets are located at the end of the International Inbound aisle. This is what I call a “No Go Zone.” No Go Zones are anything place (physical or mental) where I do not put myself to avoid temptation.

Teresa and I went to a marriage retreat in the early days of our marriage. The speakers were a husband/wife team. In one of the breakout session, the men’s speaker said something that I never forgotten. He said that we need to set blocks in areas of our lives that we are weak. He used the illustration of if you have an issue with drinking too much and your favor bar is on the way home, you should take another way home even if it adds driving time. The speaker didn’t call these areas “No Go Zones” but I started referring to them as this sometime ago.

I do not see myself as all that; I can have a low self-esteem of myself steaming to my learning disability I had in elementary school so when I sense a woman eying me up, I avoid this person like the plague. The person becomes a No Go Zone; especially if I do not need to deal with her. I do not even want to give Satan a toe hold. I am so blessed with an awesome wife where I can get her help if I sense this. She confirms my concerns or assures me it’s my delusion. When Teresa isn’t around, I ask other women to help me because, like most men, I’m clueless if a woman is checking me out. When my concerns are confirmed, I become like one of the knights in Mighty Python and the Holy Grail; you know “Run away! Run away!”

No Go Zones can be anyplace, any person, or anything (like websites). You need to put blocks in so you can’t get to them. A block can be an accountability partner who you share things with that will help you overcome whatever is tempting you. A block can be web filters that won’t allow you to visit certain sites. Most blocks are mental ones that you put down yourself. Like the person with the drinking issue who goes a different way home because he has put blocks in the way on the old way home; these block were put in place in his mind.

What areas in your life should be No Go Zones? Not going to these No Go Zone will help you in your walk with God and strengthen you relation with others; especially your spouse. Thank about where you need to put blocks.

A Wow Day



I just had one of those wow moment days. Today is my first day back to work; getting back into the norm after Ripley's surgery. I was stopped by Dean Jones, the V.P. of Transportation, and he told me that he was following Ripley's journey through my blog and that he and his family were praying for us. I was surprised that he was reading my blog. I know is a conservative Catholic but I never would have guess he would take the time to read my blog. You never know who reads these things.

Another wow moment was while driving to the gym for my daily exercise; Teresa called and gave me some great news. Ripley has gained 4 more ounces. That is great news since it took her 3 weeks to get back to her birth weight. This means that the Ladd’s Procedure to correct the malrotation has helped with her gaining her weight. God is good.

Our God is so faithful to us; even when we aren’t faithful back. He is so long-suffering. He gives us so many chances to correct our ways before He corrects us. God is not standing in heaven with a thunder bolt ready to throw it at us at any given time when we step out of line. He sent us His word so we can know what we should do and not do. He sends people in our path to help us stay on the “straight and narrow.” He gives us grace long before He has to correct us. Just like it is not pleasant when you need to correct your child(ren); it’s not pleasant when God needs to correct us. That’s way it’s so important to show our children the Love God shows us. Part of His love is His correction. Hebrews 12:6 says, “FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES."

Because God sees us as His children, He will make sure we are doing what He instructs us to do and behavior in a way worthy of our station. Our station is that as coheirs to heaven with Jesus Christ. If you are a child of God; you have accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you are a child of God; and thus, royalty. When God draws us to Himself that indeed is the wow day because we will never be the same again. Thank you Lord for saving my soul and healing my daughter. I pray that you draw Ripley to Yourself at an early an age and make her a coheir with Teresa and me.

God’s Kiss Mark

Teresa’s parent headed back to Kentucky this morning. It was great having them help us with Ripley. We had it good this last week. My parents were able to come and sit with us during the surgery, and Teresa’s were here the first day after we brought Ripley home.

We have a follow up doctor appointment on January 11 to see how Ripley is healing. The scare should be just a very fine line after a while. The doctor used surgical glue and a new type of tape instead of stitches. I’ve decided if Ripley asks about how she got the scare, I will tell her that it’s a God kiss mark where God kissed her booboo and made it better.

Since Ripley is doing so well, I’m planning on returning to work in the morning. I’ll use my last two vacation days in January. Our follow up doctor appointment lands on my 40th birthday so what better way to celebrate it by getting confirmation that Ripley is fully healed.

Below are some photos taken this last week. Again, thank you all who prayed for us and our little girl.

Our first family picture. Tken just before we took Ripley to the hospital.

Grandmother burping the baby.

Ripley enjoying grandfather time.

Ripley asleep after coming home from the hosptial.

Grandmother Anne holding Ripley.

Granfather Ray holding baby Ripley.

Ripley Is Home!



Hallelujah, Ripley is home! We checked out at 3:15pm and it only took only 10 minutes to get home. Teresa’s mom held Ripley in the hospital but with all the wires and tubes on her, Ray (Teresa’s step-father) hasn’t held yet. He was almost jumping up and down waiting to hold his grandchild. It was sweet to see. Ray is a 69 year old man who has been a police officer (served as a chief of a small town at one time) and a truck driver. I would call him an old school man’s man. He just turn to mush; very cool.

Teresa and I have both been seen just how great a God we have. I knew but this is God saying “Yes, I’m all you know I am.” My faith has been confirmed, and Teresa’s faith has been strengthened. God doesn’t have to flex His power to prove He is all powerful, but it is nice to know He is a loving father who answers our prayers. God always answers prayers; either yes, no, or wait. He chose, to my delight, to say yes to our request for a full healing. Thank you God!

Face of Heaven



Here’s the update for Ripley. I’m amazed the number of people that read these; word of mouth I guess. God is so good. He is looking out for our little girl. I talked with Teresa this morning and she shared some alarming news with me; Ripley started vomiting around 1:30 am. The issue was that the surgeon’s intern had OKed changing the 1 ounce of milk every 2 hours to 2 ounces every 2 hours and little Ripley was not ready for that much milk only 2 days after surgery. The upside to this was that an x-ray showed a mass in the bowels (poop). Teresa was tired because of the ordeal but was positive with the possibility of a bowel movement in the near future.

I showed up at 8:45 am and Teresa had finished feeding Ripley and then went home to shower. While she was gone, I got to feed Ripley and when the nurse came in to check her vitals, there was poop in the diaper. It was great; nice and green looking like peas combined with spinach (hope no one is offended). Later in the day, Teresa was changing Ripley and she had another one. This is showing that everything is going well and Ripley is doing great. Teresa was able to breast feed her instead of using the bottle. The feeding cycle is now every 3 hours with some feeding with the bottle and some through the breast feeding. Our God is an awesome God.

It was very foggy here this morning so it took longer to get the hospital. The upside of this was I was in the car when KLOVE aired Steven Curtis Chapman’s new song about his daughter that was killed in an accident; the song is called “Face of Heaven.” The words made me praise the fact that I will get to have Ripley falling asleep on my chest again soon and I look forward to talking with her and walking with her. It is only because of my faith in God that I knew (not one ounce of doubt) that He would take care of my little girl. While I was alone with Ripley, I got to talk with her. She was so wide awake with her blue eyes being very alert. I started out how Teresa talks with her. Teresa tells her, “Mommy loves you. Daddy loves you. But most importantly, God love you.” Teresa talks her this all the time. While I talked with Ripley, I told her that whenever I can’t be with her that God is always with her. Just as I love her, God loves her very much. He loved her so much to come to earth as a man and pay for her sins. Her eyes never left mind. She is just so precious. I pray daily that God will draw her to Himself at an early age. All Teresa and I can do and share His love with Ripley. The Holy Spirit will do the actual work.

Thank you for your prayers. If you want to check out Steven Curtis Chapman’s CD, go to http://www.stevencurtischapman.com. It has some good songs; “Face of Heaven” will start playing once you go to the website.

Knowing Why



Some people have commented on the fact that we are praying for a bowel movement for Ripley. The original reasoning was that the surgeon will not allow Teresa to feed Ripley until the bowels start to move. Teresa was beside herself because her little girl was hungry. An I.V. was supplying Ripley liquids so she was all right. Actually, the above situation was resolved this morning. Ripley was allowed an ounce of Pedialye at 9am and another at 11am. Since she kept it down, Ripley has been able to have an ounce every 2 hours of Teresa’s milk. Early this afternoon, Ripley had a little moving of her bowels and another one just before I left my ladies. We are praising God because it is showing that nothing is wrong with her bowels.

You see, the surgeon needed to make sure that the operation was worked. If we would have feed Ripley and the bowels were not lined up, then she would have been vomiting and it would have been a setback. The doctor knew what he was doing and he informed us of the reasoning for the no feeding, but it still broke Teresa’s heart to hear Ripley being a little fussy. We had sugar-water to make her think she has something. The 36 hours of no feed were rough on Ripley but was for the best.
God does the same with His people. God knows everything, and He communicates to us that we should not do something or should do something. We may not understand why (even though we know any), but we should obey. He is looking out for our best. Just as if we feed Ripley any way and everything was not right with her bowels; the consequences would have been bad. It could have been deadly. The consequence for man for not listening to God was separation from Him. God came in the form of Man and paid the sin debt for us to be reconnected. The consequence for Christ-followers for not listening to the voice of God is discipline. Sin is fun; even the Bible says it is fun but only for a season. In the poetry section of the Old Testament says that sin is like eating honey; sweat and tasty until it gets to the stomach and it gives you a stomachache.

Since Teresa and I listen to the authority(the one who knew best); Ripley is doing great and now gets her Mommy’s milk. Wwe should heed God’s voice and obey Him. He wants and has the best for us.

Perfect Peace



Last night before Teresa, Ripley, and I went to bed, we prayed together. I prayed that God would give Ripley a nice night of sleep and that Teresa and I would have total peace. God never stops amazing me on how loving a God He truly is. Teresa and had to wake Ripley up twice to feed her; she slept solid. I slept until Teresa woke me just before the alarm sounded; set for 5am. She shared with me that she was claim and had peace. It was awesome.

Before heading to CHKD this morning, we checked out e-mail and FaceBook. It is only because we have a true relation with Christ that we have peace through this storm. I read one person who I know is searching but isn’t completely share about Christ that she couldn’t sleep (time stamp was around 3am) because of her concern for Ripley and the operation. Because of the journey and relation Teresa and I have with Jesus Christ, we know He has little Ripley in His hand and His prefect will was going to be done today. We had perfect peace.

Praise God, Ripley came through the operation perfectly. The Ladd’s Procedure only took around an hour. She went in at 8:30am and we heard they were finished by 9:25am. Dr. Kelly told us that there are ranges with malrotation and Ripley had the more extreme so the operation was needed. They only had to cut Ripley about 2 inches to do the procedure. They used no stitches, but tape so the scare will small and will be almost invisible the time she is an adult.

I came home long enough to get Teresa some stuff. They have a small bed in Ripley’s room so she will stay with her at night. It’s nice we live maybe 5 minutes from the hospital (through the mid-night tunnel and we are there). I’m heading back but wanted to give the praise report.

Ladd’s Procedure



CHKD called and confirmed that we are to check in at 6:30 am on Friday with a start for the operation is set to begin at 8:30 am. Dr. Robert Kelly will be doing the Ladd’s procedure to correct the malrotation. In Ladd's procedure, the abdomen is opened. The small intestines are seen first and appear to hide the colon. The entire intestinal mass is delivered out of the abdomen. The intestinal mass is rotated to reduce the volvulus. The intestines are re-positioned in the abdomen. Dr. Kelly will remove the appendix since it is on the wrong side and this will help avoid any possible appendicitis.

Dr. Kelly said that Ripley could be in the hospital from 3 to 5 days depending on her recovery. Dollar Tree has been great to me. My bosses are making sure I get the days off I need and my Director and Manager bought Teresa and me dinner for next week; they gave me $25 gift card to Pizza Hut. I think that is awesome because they didn’t have to do it.

It may sound really weird to write this, but we are just so blessed. Granted, our 18 day old baby needs surgery but we could have gone forever until the intestinal track could have been blocked and this planned surgery needed to be an emergency surgery. It was only because we had a concern with Ripley’s lack of bowel movements we tested for a block that showed the malrotation. God gave us one of the best pediatric surgeons to do this procedure. God is making sure everything is taken care of; my parents will be here and Teresa’s parents will be here so help will be here.

This past week, our church family has really loved on us with dinners all week. My fellow Elders have called and prayed with us. All in all, we are truly blessed. Our God is awesome!

Late Night Musing



Its 12:45ish in the morning. I went to sleep at around 8:30 on Wednesday night. Yesterday was a tough day. The best part of yesterday for me was knowing our fellow Christ-follows are praying for us and Ripley. I’ve had a lot of e-mails and FaceBook messages letting me know Ripley is being prayed for and that Teresa and I are being prayed for. It does my heart well to know this. I’ve been serving my God since the age of 16 years old and have been the one who visited and encouraged others. It’s weird being on the other side. I didn’t know how to react to it to be honest.

I had a great e-mail from one of the guys in the men’s group I lead about wanting to get together and pray for us. I was great. My sister said something to me that stayed with me and since it’s in my head, I need to write about so I can get back to sleep. Wanda said that she wished this didn’t happen to us. To that I say why not us? Jesus never said we will have it easy; but the opposite. He said when the storms come our house will be fine because of our foundation (Himself) is strong enough to withstand it. Jesus is growing Teresa's faith and strengthening me during this trail. I have no doubt whatsoever that at the end someone will come to know Christ as Lord. I have co-workers reading my blog; family members reading my blog; Teresa's former co-workers reading my blog. They are all seeing how we are viewing this and my desire is for them to ask how can we react this way? We react this way because of Jesus. I don't want to sound like I'm trying to be the man but I sincerely believe some great will come out of all this.

When Ripley comes through the operation on Friday with flying colors, I will give the honor to God. God is the great physician and He has decided to us Robert Kelly to be His hands to help Ripley. If for any reason, God chooses to go another way with the operation then I hope I will react like David did when his child was taken home but until then I will trust God will heal my daughter completely. Through the good, the bad, and the indifferent times, God is still God. His ways are the best even if we don’t understand them.

The above paragraph was to be the conclusion, but Teresa had me hold Ripley so she could power her nose. I get lost in Ripley’s little face. They are very much wide open right now and I say wow to her wonder. As I wrote before, God put her together this way for His glory and I will trust in His Sovereignty. We serve a great and awesome God who created the universe but still cares to us and our problems. No matter what the end will be, I will glorify God.

Malrotation



We have answers to what health issue Ripley has. It was because of her lack of bowel movements that we know. The two procedures that CHKD did told us that she has malrotation. Malrotation is is twisting of the intestines (or bowel) caused by abnormal development while a fetus is in utero, and can cause obstruction. Dr Kelly of CHKD will operate on our little girl on Friday. The great physician will heal our little girl by using this surgeon. Lord wiling, she will be out in 3 to 5 days.

We have been so blessed by the love of our fellow Christ-followers. We have been told that people all over the U.S. have been praying for Ripley. Please continue to pray for Teresa for peace and for me. Our God is so good and I know He will be glorified through this.

My Dad and Mom are driving back over from western VA tomorrow to be here. Pray for safe journey.

I will let you know how God blesses this time in little Ripley's life. She is just so adorable.

Crisis of Belief



Today Teresa and I were given some news from our pediatrician. The x-rays that were taken of Ripley during her barium enema showed something we never thought. Little Ripley’s lower intestines are on the wrong side. The organs that belong on the left are on the right and the organs that should be right are on the left. The doctor has made an appointment for us to see a Pediatric Surgeon at CHKD on Wednesday. It seems that this is not life threatening but it did leave us dishearten. It seems that the lower organs didn’t move into place during the last part of Teresa’s pregnancy; this is rare with only 3% of this happening. When things like this happen, you can go one of two ways. One, blame God for this and turn from Him. Two, run to God and seek His help. This is a crisis of belief.

I will be upfront with you and I was a little beside myself. When the doctor left us, I held Teresa (Teresa had Ripley) and I prayed. I had not a clue on what to ask for. I am so glad that the Holy Spirit in times we are unable to communicate our needs knows what we need and shares them with the Father. Through God’s word, we are told that God forms us in the womb so God created Ripley with this. I have no clue why but I trust He knows what He is doing; He is God after all. I have faith that God will do something awesome with this situation. The only thing I can could ask God for after about an hour of the news was to ask for Him to save my little girl; the situation is not life threatening but it’s my little Ripley.

God has carried me through so much in my life and He has carried Teresa and me through so much together that how can I not trust in Him through this storm? God is Sovereign; He is all knowing; He is all powerful; God is my Father. We will know more about the options on Wednesday, but this could go back to normal on its own or surgery may be needed. We are laying Ripley at God’s feet and we are trusting that He will heal her.

Father, please heal my little girl. Give her a long life so that she will point others to You. Please encourage Teresa while she is seeking Your face. I pray only that you will receive the glory and honor for what you are about to do. I love You.

Ripley on Prune Sugar High

Since Ripley is only had Teresa's milk, the prune juice leaves Ripley buzzing. Below are three pic showing her on a high.

Ripley on Prune Juice sugar high no. 1.

Ripley on Prune Juice sugar high no. 2.

Ripley on Prune Juice sugar high no. 3.

From The Father’s Eyes



I will never really know how God views us. Now I am a father, I might have a better understanding of how He may view us. This morning I held Ripley for a while so Teresa could get more sleep. As I held her, I kept looking down at her. I get lost looking at her (time tends to fly). As I looked at her, I thought, “she is so small;” “she is so fragile;” “she needs her Mommy and Daddy for everything.” As I thought these things, it hit me that is how God sees us.

God has us in the palm of His hands. As He looks down on us, He knows we are so small, fragile, and we need Him for everything. God has given us everything; our food, housing, clothes, and even our mental capacity. God designed us to be who we are. He put us together.

I enjoy holding my baby and talking to her and I long for the day she I can talk with me. God longs to speak to us through His Word (the Bible), and He wants us to talk to Him (prayer). Being a parent has helped me see a little clearer how God may see us.