The Power of Prayer

November 5, 2007:
"Jess Merkel's husband's sister (Julie) is pregnant, and her nurse saw a bit of fluid around the baby's bowels on the ultrasound and sounded the alarm. I guess Julie's bile level has been rising and is now above 100 (normal is around 20). The syndrome she has is called coleostasis. The Doctor is very worried about her for this reason so he examined the baby on a more precise ultrasound and saw that she was moving her limbs and utilizing her breathing muscles, which is a good sign. However, he took more blood and said to Julie that if her bile level is worse when the results come back, he'll start her on steroids and may take the baby as early as 32 weeks. Please pray for Julie's health and the baby's health, and for peace for the family..."

November 15, 2007:
"I have a prayer request… Julie Merkel (Jess’s husband’s sister) is at the hospital in Indy and had induced labor scheduled for tomorrow, but the doctors have decided to perform a c-section today at 1:00pm. We’re not sure why they moved it up and decided not to try a natural birth, but Julie and the entire family really need prayer. Julie has been given two steroid shots to help develop the baby’s lungs... Please join me in prayer for Julie, her husband, her baby, and for Jess & Clint and the rest of the family..."

November 16, 2007:
"Thank you for all of your prayers! The baby (Ainsley Marie) is breathing on her own... she weighs 3 lbs 12 oz and is 16 inches long! She is in an uncovered incubator and has a bit of oxygen just to expand her lungs to the max. The MD told Clint when he was visiting with her that the baby's vitals are really good. God is so good!"

November 20, 2007:
According to Jess:
"My niece, Ainsley Marie Harris, was born November 15, 2007 at 31 weeks to Clint's sister, Julie, and her husband Jeremiah. She's a bundle of joy, a blessing to all and we are looking forward to watching her grow up. Ainsley was 3 lbs 12 oz when she was born and is 16 inches long... she is in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St. Vincent's Women's Hospital. She is doing very well and was taken off her respirator yesterday."

Commit your way to the Lord [roll and repose each care
of your load on Him]; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident)
also in Him and He will bring it to pass.
[Psalm 37:5]