Mercy
The other night I was reading in Psalms and came across a chapter that after every verse it would be followed by, "His mercy endures forever." No matter what the psalmist would say it always ended with these words, "His mercy endures forever." I began to think of what we were up against I would say to my self, "Her tummy hurts, but His mercy endures forever. Her bowel is sick, but His mercy endures forever. My baby is scared, but His mercy endures forever." This way my prayer that night. Over and over again I would say about my sweet Ashley Kate that, "His mercy endures forever", and I asked God to have mercy on her.
At some point through the night Ashley's bowel began to POUR out fluid. It opened up and has not stopped. The fluids that have been sitting inside of it for days are coming out. His mercy endures forever. Her abdomen was stretched to the max last night, but his morning it is smaller. His mercy endures forever. She is till distended, but as the fluids come out of her it gets smaller and smaller. His mercy endures forever. My heart is encouraged as I read of the people who woke throughout the night to pray for my baby. As you prayed, He worked. This morning the tears sting my eyes as I see His hands holding my baby. Please don't stop praying. He is listening and working and let me say that for my Ashley Kate, "His mercy endures forever!!!"
She is still very sick and we do not yet know about her surgery, but I can't contain my excitement and although they warned me again, "She is going to get worse" I can't help but smile knowing that God may have others plans.
To my son Blake I would like to say:
Happy 12th Birthday. You AMAZE me. How honored I am to love you. Your strength, your character, your kindness, your dedication, your drive, your dreams, your unselfish nature. Blake, I could go on and on forever about the many parts of you that inspire me to wake up each day and be a better mom. What I am saying is that I have learned and grown with you over the past 12 years and because of that I am who I am today. You make being a mom easy, and you make my heart smile. I am so proud to be YOUR mom. Of all the 12 year old kids in all the world if they told me I could pick one YOU KNOW I WOULD CHOOSE YOU.
Together we will achieve your dreams. I promise to support you in whatever it is the Lord leads you to do. Dad and I are so very proud of the young man you have become and I look forward to watching you grow up. Thanks for being more than my son. You are an amazing child. An incredible role model and big brother to your baby sisters. Thank you for loving them so much that you understand why we are not with you today. I can't wait to see you again. Love, Mom
From this to this in a few short years. I love you Blake and I am the proudest mom out there.
"For I know the plans I have for you, saith the Lord. Plans to prosper you..."
posted by Ashley @ 9:24 AM
55 Comments:
Praising God with you! And Happy Birthday to Blake. :)
d
Thank you God! I am so happy to hear her boel is working now and at least her tummy gets a break. I will continue to pray for you all as you walk through this time. May God continue to hold you close as the days run together.
We humbly approach Your Throne and say Thank You, Father!!
To the family: you better believe we will continue praying!
Kristi in Texas
PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HIS MERCY DOES INDEED ENDURE FOREVER! Oh I am so happy to read that some of the pressure has been reduced!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLAKE!
Oh Trish - this is the best post ever - I teach my class again today so I will have all of my kids and parents join with me in praying for you guys again! Sunshine
Praise the Lord!!!!. He does hold her in His hands. She's already gotten worse, now she's getting better,Praise be to God. Happy Birthday Blake.
I am so moved by how God is moving in the hearts of those who are praying. He is not only touching baby Ashley but each of us as we obediently pray for this family.
When I close my eyes and imagine, it is as if I can see our prayers for this baby surrounding the throne of Grace! He hears us prayer warriors - do not stop!
His mercy endures forever!!!!
What an incredible testimony of the grace and mercy of our wonderful God. I rejoice with you that you have yet again witness the mighty hand of our sovereign God in the midst of you trial. His mercies never cease and they are indeed new every morning...Great is His faithfulness! Psalm 3 is another prayer that I pray for you. There is nothing too big for our God. I pray that He will be your glory and the one who lifts your head today.
Still praying and Believing God,
Kristi Cooper
What Awesome news. Praise God!
Happy Birthday to Blake, he sounds like a wonderful young man.
I will continue to pray for Ashley and your entire family.
Praying in Connecticut! :)
Oh, Trish. Words really can't describe how your post moved me today. I awoke around 4 a.m. with my son due to his asthma. As he was taking his treatment, I checked on Ashley and whispered words of prayer. I know our prayers don't fall on deaf ears, but it's wonderful to see His hand at work. It is awesome news that there has been some relief for dear Ashley. I pray this is just the beginning of relief and answered prayers. Thank you once again for sharing your testimony, your heart and soul with us. You are a blessing to those us of that read Ashley's journal.
Happy Birthday, Blake! May God bless you this day and may you desire to be the man of God He so desires you to be!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Blake! I am honored to have gotten to know the wonderful young man you are through your mother's words and photos!
Trish, What a blessing that Ashley's bowel is waking up. I woke up last night, too, and couldn't stop thinking of Ashley. I began to pray for God to show her mercy and give her comfort - what a surprise then when I read your words this morning about mercy! God is truly a miracle in our lives - his power is beyond our understanding. It humbles me to know that he listens to all our prayers.
H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y B L A K E ! ! ! My thoughts are SO STRONGLY with him today! Yes, he is an incredible kid!
I loved reading that the fluids came "pouring out." I had to read further to make sure that was a good thing. But because of the tone of your post, it made me think of the pourig out of blessings upon Ashley.
She continues to amaze me.
We continue to pray together nearly hourly for her.
Bless the Lord and the healing he is working inside of Ashley!!!!
I was among the many who awoke in the middle of the night to pray for Ashley and your family. It was 2:42 a.m. to be exact and I woke with such an urgency to pray. I am amazed by your morning report. What a mighty God we serve!
-Cari in Arkansas
Praising God with you today Trish and Dave. Happy Birthday to Blake. I am sure he is going to grow up into an amazing young man. God bless you today as you endure this uphill battle. God will prevail. Be Blessed
Allison NC
I can't stop the tears. I have been praying so hard for your sweet little girl, all day and throughout the night for the past week. We're having special meetings at our church this week, and the preacher taught about heaven last night, and how real it should be to us. How real GOD should be to us. He IS faithful, and He IS merciful, and He will never change. How my heart is praising him today for the answers to prayer.
Happy Birthday, Blake! We love you and we're praying for you, too. You truly are an amazing kid. :)
Man! Made me cry. Again.
Thanks for helping to hold down the home front, Blake. Happy Birthday.
Praying, Trish and Dave. His mercy endures forever. Amen and amen.
Every post I read brings tears to my eyes. God is using Baby Ashley to teach us all great things! Today it is through the evidence of her bowels moving while people all over the country awoke to pray for her. I can't say that I woke up during the night, but I had a hard time falling asleep as I continuously poured out my heart to God for her!
Thank you for sharing your story Trish. You encourage me with your prayers for your children and your steady faith. I know I need to pray even harder and more consistently for mmy own healthy children.
And to Blake - Happy Birthday! Although I don't know you I know you are a very special boy, because your mom tells us :) And a great brother also!
We will keep praying that the pouring out will continue and Ashley will only get better from here on out despite what the doctors think!!
Praise God! I'm still praying! Happy birthday Blake!
Happy Happy Birthday Blake! You are an amazing young man - enjoy your day!
Praising God for the baby steps! Praying fervently!
Love, Jule White
This morning, as I took our dog out, I noticed that it was lightly yet steadily raining, and our ground, which was so thirsty yesterday, had at least a wet surface. What a blessing! As I thanked God for the blessing of rain, I wondered, are these mercy drops, or are these showers of blessing? Whichever they were, I was and am thankful.
And now I see that the mercy drops, or maybe the showers, of blessing, were also being scattered in a little hospital room in Omaha. Pleading on Ashley's behalf that the Heavens will open and He will pour out more blessings of relief and healing and wholeness.
Because, as you said, and God's Word teaches that it's worth repeating and repeating: His mercy
endures forever.
Hallelujah!!!! Still continuing to pray for Ashley and your whole family, but this is a huge blessing for now!
Happy Birthday, Blake! :)
Praise God! His mercy does indeed endure forever. We continue to ask God to heal this precious baby who we all have come to love in extraordinary ways.
Happy Birthday to the best big brother ever.
Not that I am a predjudiced mom, but Blake shares a birthday with my very special son who turned 10 today! He is truly the 1st of three rays of sunlight in our lives - as I know Blake is to you - but there is something ultra-special on a day like today! Happy Birthday Blake & Jack ...
Thanks for keeping us all posted - my prayer is for you to see continued improvement ... even in tiny doses all day!
It is POURING down rain here, and it is reminding me of the blessings that are being poured out on your family. God is doing miraculous things! I think we all wish we could have been in that room with you last night to see God's mighty hand-first hand! What an awesome testimony of His power and the working of the Holy Spirit among His children. Praying your day continues to be encouraging, and that Ash continues to be relieved of the pressure that is still there. Our hearts and prayers are with you.....
The tears continue to fall and I continue to praise God for this news and I will continue to pray for precious Ashley. Sing Praise...Sign Praise....Forever God is Faithful...Forever God is Strong...Forever God is With Us...Forever...His Mercy Endures Forever! What an awesome word...I can't get the song out of head...which is a great thing! We love you all! Happy Birthday Blake! You are such an amazing boy who is also teaching the world many things....
Mistie
So much proof that God is hearing and answering all the prayers.Continuing to pray for better days ahead for the littlest pickle.May his great love and gentle hands bring you all together again real soon. To Blake..Happy Birthday!! What a handsome young man you are. Enjoy your special day and know in your heart, your Mom, Dad, and sweet baby Sister are with you. God Bless your precious family.
Many birthday blessings and prayers for Blake. Prayers for Allie too.
Continuing on believing and praying for Ashley.
And for their parents who rely on our Father.
Oh what great joy to see the words "Ashley's bowel began to POUR out fluid." I could hardly see what I was reading for the flood of tears "pouring out" of my eyes. What a great thing our Lord has done. On my last comment I stated "praying for a miracle" and as far as I am concerned, I just read of one and I will continue to pray that God would coninue His pouring out on little Ashley. Thank You, dear Lord Jesus. We do give you all the Honor and Glory for how You have shown Yourself in these last hours. Thank You for hearing the prayers of so many prayer warriors on little Ashley's behalf.
Happy Birthday to Blake and in the years to come, one day he will reflect back and see that through all of his little sister's struggles, he grew in stature, he has grown in character and he has learned about compassion and what it means to put others above himself. What a fine young man he is/has become. You are a son any mom and dad would be proud of and we wish many birthdays blessings for you on your special day.
Still praying for miracles~~~Janiece
Wow! Amazing! Miraculous! Praise God! I am overjoyed in the progress Ashley made during the night. I hated to think of how distended her belly was, so am very thankful that it is continuing to shrink. My family continues to pray -- A LOT!!
And Blake -- HAPPY 12th BIRTHDAY! I'm sure you know this but I'll say it anyway...You've been trained by the best! What a privilege it is to have such Godly parents who love you as much as parents can love. You are a wonderful son to them and I know God will bless you as you continue to honor Him in your actions. May you have a wonderful day and look forward to a HUGE party when your parents come home with Ashley and you can all celebrate together.
Hello to Allie too, and know that we are also praying for you. I know it's hard to go through a time like this and we pray that it is not long till the five of you are all home together.
Much love from our family to yours, and much praise to the King!
Martha
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLAKE! How awesome about Ashley! It was the weirdest thing last night...I woke up at 2am and couldn't figure out if I was to pray for my twins or for Ashley...they both seemed to be heavy on me...so I prayed for both, and guess what, both of you needed it ;) Twins were grouchy with grandma and grandpa ;0) Much easier than what you are going through but grandma and grandpa were not happy ;)
Love and continuing prayers, Tamara
His mercy endures forever! Praise Him!! I will continue to pray for her and your family.
Happy Birthday Blake! May God bless you today and always.
Still praying!
Beth
Praising God with you - continuing to pray. Happy Birthday wishes to Blake.
Though you and I have never met nor your precious sweet girl. May I pose to all prayer warriors out there that we all continue our middle of the night prayers. I was called up 3 times last night for Ash. He is hearing all of us, let's not stop until complete healing is done.
Blessings and Hugs from Ohio.
M
Praise God for movement. Thats a definite praise.
Happy Birthday to your son. Hope he has a special day.
Thank you Jesus! Happy Birthday Blake!
The Lord IS gracious and Merciful Abounding in Steadfast Love!!!!!
May He continue to pour out His grace to sweet little Ashley. He has put you on my mind often and reminded me to pray.
And Happy birthday Blake. you sound like one great 12 year old:)
Wow! God continuese to amaze me! I don't know why it always amazes me when he actually answers prayers in that way, when that's not the first time. But it definitely humbles me and I am praising Him! Such good news. Keep pouring, keep pouring!
Happy Birthday Blake! You are an awesome kid in an awesome family!
I have recently began following Ashley's story and am so compelled by your family's faith. I pray for her recovery
Happy Birthday to your wonderful son, Blake.
Praise God for His new mercies. Still praying.
Thanking God that His mercies do endure forever. I just started praying for Ashley this morning after a friend sent me here. This is such great news to read and I am so glad I checked back in on you. Praying this is just the beginning of wonderful things to come for this precious little warrior. She is on the top of my prayer list. Praying that she gets stronger by the minute and the comfort of the Lord is all over her and gives her sweet rest in her little body. God is good all of the time and He has His healing hands all over her. Happy Birthday to Blake today and may you feel peace and comfort and be full of joy and hope today. All of you are surrounded by an army of prayer warriors and God hears each prayer.
My prayers continue for you,
Laurie in Ca.
Praise God that His mercy does endure forever! I will keep praying and Happy Birthday Blake!
God is good! Thanks for this wonderful post. We are praying!
Happy Birthday to Blake! Hope he has a wonderful day.
I have tears streaming down my face just as I suppose you must have had when writing today. I love the way you love - your children, husband, family and God and your ability to express it so beautifully. You continue to be lifted in prayer.
Happy Birthday Blake!!! Know you are loved by your mom and dad and family and also by many of us who have never actually met you, but love you through your mom's journaling. Happy Birthday!
Lou Ann
Such wonderful news! Praise the Lord for His mercy. It does, indeed, endure forever.
I prayed for Ashley this morning and will continue to petition for her healing and your peace and strength.
Little Ashley has no idea how many people are praying for her but God knows that the cries of His people, united together, are storming the gates of heaven. He hears. He answers. His mercy endures forever.
I wanted to apologize for my comment re: the doctors not hurrying up and doing the surgery. God was sovereign, as He always is, in that decision, even though they may not see His work. I think I was getting anxious for somebody to do something to help poor Ashley, but God saw fit to wait so that we could see His mighty hand. Isn't God Good?
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR BLAKE.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU.
Praising God for the merciful relief Ashley received today. Praying still.
Blessings,
~Toni~
Praise God!! Praise Him for your son's birthday today! Praise Him for His work in Ashley! Praise Him that your husband was able to be with you last night! Praise Him that we have you as an example for us of a Godly, faithful woman!
My family will continue to lift your family up in prayer. Thank you for sharing with us an example of a life spent at the feet of Jesus!
Still praying...His mercy and grace be upon you all. Happy Birthday Blake...from a stranger who loves Jesus and prays for you this day.
Holly Smith
From a complete stranger; please keep the strength and faith- you and your family are an inspiration.
God Bless- from Wichita, Kansas
What a beautiful post. And so true. His mercy endures forever. And his mercies are new every morning.
I've been praying for you and remembering Romans 4:18-21;
"AGAINST ALL HOPE, Abraham IN HOPE BELIEVED and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be." WITHOUT WEAKENING in his faith, he FACED THE FACT that his body was AS GOOD AS DEAD—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah's womb was also dead. YET HE DID NOT WAVER through unbelief regarding the promise of God, BUT WAS STRENGTHENED in his faith and gave glory to God, being FULLY PERSUADED that GOD HAD POWER TO DO WHAT HE HAD PROMISED." (emphasis mine!) God is faithful and powerful!!
Happy Birthday, Blake!
Praise our God.
Just as a side note sis, that's a great spiritual break thru. And yes...His mercy endures forever!
Praise Him even more.
Praise our God.
Just as a side note sis, that's a great spiritual break thru. And yes...His mercy endures forever!
Praise Him even more.
Happy Birthday Blake! You sound like an amazing son and brother! Your story helps to shine Jesus' love and faithfulness into the world.
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