Thursday, April 29, 2010

Treasured Testaments

Chrissie is hanging in there.  I may not be able to update as often as I'd like simply because I don't want to leave her side.  She was given a muscle relaxer about 30 minutes ago, so she's resting nicely now with steady stats.  They're beginning to wean from a few meds to see how she does, and they inserted a small feeding tube down her nose into her small intestine to see if he body will tolerate 5cc's of liquid food an hour.

In the meantime, we pray and give all glory to God for His mighty hand, His presence, His love, His goodness, His presence, His grace, and His miracles that are alive and active today.

Over the last 11 days of Chrissie's heart journey, God has used Chrissie's life to change others lives around the world in mighty ways.  God has chosen our precious princess to speak His Voice, His Truth, His Hope to the ends of the earth.  I've held on to hope through your prayers and the many, many sweet comments and stories that you've taken the time to share.  Today, I had a few moments to gather just a few of these treasured testaments to post here for all of you to rejoice over.  There are hundreds of more comments like these, with literally people from around the world praying for Chrissie.  That is all God.  I had something like 23 people following our blog prior to Chrissie's surgery, and now there are literally thousands of people praying for Chrissie all around the world.  This has NOTHING to do with me.  It has EVERYTHING to do with our Heavenly Father drawing His beloved children closer to Him, and knocking on the doors of hearts around the world to let Him in so He can breathe His life into the hearts of those who He so desperately wants to know.  Christ wants His cross in the center of your heart, just as He has set His in our CHRISTyn Joy's heart. 

Praise God for the many treasured testaments He has shared with me over the past 11 days.  Rejoice with me as you read just a few of these here.  (Please know that if I didn't post your comment, it's not because it wasn't special or meaningful or touching; every single comment has brought me hope, joy, laughter and tears.  There's simply not enough time for me to express all that I would like and share all of the comments publically, but God is pleased that you are coming to Him and sharing humbly with me what He's doing in each of your lives.  To God be all the glory!!! 

Rejoice:

"Praising God, Thanking God!! Amazing and beautiful. This has brought me so much closer to My God, my Daddy, my Savior,I went from being a "luke warm" christian to an ON FIRE christian! Chrissie's testimony will never let me cool again. I am blessed God led me to your blog and Chrissie's life, my life and my family's life will never be the same. Thank you Jesus!  Still praying for OUR Chrissie. Savannah(3) says Chrissie needs to get better so they can play togther when her Boo Boo's are better."  ~Lisa


"Your sweet little warrior princess has touched my life in a very deep and profound way over the last several days. Through praying for CHRISTyn Joy and all of you, and following her story I have felt closer to my Creator than I have in a long time. As a "tough guy" I've cried more in the last few days than most of my adult life (I'm crying now), some tears of sorrow but mostly tears of joy when I see Gods MIGHTY hand at work through your precious angel. I am so truly grateful to have the oppurtunity to pray for Chrissie and for the work that God is doing in my life (and so many others I know) through her. I know it's not ideal to have God minister to others through something like this, but He is and I trust that His plan is perfect. My life will never be the same!" ~tough guy

"During the last few months I have struggled with my relationship with God. I felt so distant- and no prayer I said seemed to help with this feeling of loneliness and despair. Through a friend I was informed of Chrissie's story- Since then I have been reading your blog and praying non-stop for God’s healing hand to touch Chrissie in ways no doctor can. I have also been praying for peace and serenity for you and your family. I feel closer to God than I have in years. In praying for Chrissie God has drawn me in and set my heart on fire with His never ending love and joy. My husband and I have only been married 18 months and have not yet been blessed with children, so I cannot possibly imagine what you are going through as parents. Your strength and testimony is so encouraging and motivational. God definitely knew what he was doing when he placed Chrissie in your hands! Your family will remain in our hearts and prayers"  ~Brandy

"I am so blessed that a friend posted a link to your blog on his facebook. I have been following it everyday. I anxiously wait for more posts! I feel like God is really teaching me how to pray without ceasing through Chrissie's ordeal. He is also helping me to remember how BIG of a God he is. There have been multiple moments in your story that I have thought - this is it....it's over...and then God performs a miracle! AWESOME! I'v shared your blog with my co-workers and friends, and Chrissie has her own little praying/cheering section in South Carolina! Praying for you too Mom & Dad!"  -Debbie Russell

"What an AMAZING AWESOME GOD WE SERVE!! And what an AMAZING TESTIMONY SWEET CHRISSIE IS!! Dear Chrissie, YOU, a little 4 yr old girl that I have never met are strengthening this grown up's faith! I am fighting my own fight right now---which is NO WHERE NEAR as big as YOUR battle, sweet angel and I admit, I have almost been beaten down at times. But then I think of God and I think of YOU and I say "If Chrissie can fight to get better after ALL she's been through, if she can shed a tear but STILL believe and STILL fight" then I owe not only that sweet angel, but God and myself that SAME determined fighting spirit! It's NOT about me--I just wanted to tell you, sweet Chrissie, that I have never prayed more in my life as I have for YOU --and you, my little friend, you and your family you love soooo much are bringing ME closer to God. Thank you, dear one. You keep fighting ok?" Love, Lori

"I'm another that has never met Chrissie, but feel that she was brought into my life for a special reason. I grew up in the Episcopal church and have wandered away from organized religion over the years. But, after being guided to your blog, I have found myself ON MY KNEES, paying to God, begging Him to heal you, Sweet Chrissie. As I'm on my knees, I think of your beautiful smile... so big... and those cheeks...and I get chills. You have changed this world already, and you have no idea. Stay strong, beautiful girlie. You are a fighter and are here to do more AMAZING things... You have already changed my life in such a profound way. ***HUGS***" (4/26, 7:45AM)....."I've never done this before {fasting and praying}, but then again I have been doing a lot of things that I have never done before since "meeting" Chrissie -- I'm in!! I will be fasting for Chrissie's Miracle Monday today!!" (4/26, 11:48AM)  "Loraine: PLEASE forgive me for MY selfishness, but when there are long periods of time without an update, I get scared and worried to the point of it being all consuming. I pray like I never have before. Never. I have written before that Chrissie has brought me to place that I have never been, but am happy to be here. I just wish it was under different circumstances. Please tell that Serbian Sensation that there is an army out here bigger than she could EVER imagine, praying for her, thinking about her, and changing their lives because of HER! "  (4/29)...all from Maggie of North Carolina

"I am so inspired by you all. This story should be published some day as a means to help those of little faith. As I was thinking of Chrissy on the drive to work this morning (while listening to The Message on xm/sirius radio) I heard some of the lyrics in a song by Chris Thomlin "Jesus is healer, awesome in power, our God our God" it touched me. I pray for continued strength and healing."  ~Michelle

"I am new to your blog...Oh My WONDERFUL and MIGHTY God!!!!! I am at a loss for words. My heart was pounding as I read your day and Chrissie's fight and tears streamed my face for someone I've never met. My heart and prayers are with you now and will continue to be.  Do you know that your daughter's fight in that room probably brought someone to eternal salvation-I feel that in my heart that Chrissie's healing brought someone in that room Christ's healing. He works...24/7.  Hoping and praying to hear more news like this until Chrissie is home.  And the doctor in Ninevah...my heart and prayers are with you. If all doctors were like you, this would be a different world. Thank you for having a servant's heart." ~Amber


"Oh I forgot to tell you this lol So many times yesterday when I was tweeting and asking on facebook for prayers I felt I was to ask people to stop what they were doing and get on their knees. I texted people we know here in England (we live in London) asking them to stop what they were doing and get on their knees to pray. William and I felt we were to get on our knees to pray and we did. There is something about removing yourself from all the distractions and submitting your entire body to God when you pray. So we did...I've felt this for a long time and I believe it even more today... when we are asking God for a healing in our own lives the most important prayers you pray towards YOUR healing are the ones you sacrifice your time to pray for SOMEONE ELSE'S healing. " ~Lu from London

"PRAISE GOD! THE ONE TRUE GOD! OUR GOD!! HALLELUJAH!  If there is someone out there watching this story unfold, or a staff member working with your family who doesn't know the Lord, then I say:  What are you waiting for?!"  ~Julie

"The witnesses to his miracles with Chrissie will be many. I can't begin to tell you what this has done for me. (One day, when you're not quite in such a life/death situation, I'll email you and explain what was going on in my life, and how this miracle has made a difference.)" ~Susan

"I woke up to a beautiful moon with a "raninbow" around it, and it reminded me of Chrissie. I told God that He was the One who hung that moon (impossible by human standards), and I asked Him to do the impossible for Chrissie too. Came downstairs to read this news...tears of thanksgiving are rolling down my face. We will just keep claiming all the Scriptures that we've been claiming. Our hope is in GOD ALONE! (((HUGS))) "  ~Family Rebuilding the Wall

"Glory to God! Your cardiologist is a treasure." ~Matushka Anna

"There are no words to describe Chrissie's story except miraculous, absolutely miraculous"  ~Deb Watson

"I have been following you guys for a couple of days now, and cried when I read what God did yesterday. I will keep praying that He continues to heal Chrissie in all ways necessary for a long, abundant life. Thank you for reminding me that my God IS mighty to save. "  ~Lisa C.

"Praise the Lord! God is truly performing a Miracle. And Chrissie is a witness to Him by her story. Even those of us that are strangers are crying and praying and thanking God for helping us on our spiritual journey through Chrissie. We will continue to pray and pray and pray."  ~ Amy B's mom in Illinois

"Thank you for sharing this journey with us. We have been praying since last week and I am amazed at not only your little girl but yours and Matt's ability to trust the Lord. I listened to you speaking last nite and your faith in the Lord comes thru so strong and with such "knowing" in your heart of His power to do His will. Chrissie is an amazing little girl whom the Lord loves deeply. I should not be so amazed as you have "seen" His mighty hand at work and that is deeply convicting. May we continue to see the Lord in all of this and our prayers are continuously going up for Chrissie."  ~mommajeane

"As I was praying for Chrissie in the car yesterday afternoon, the following song was playing....

When God's People pray by Crystal Lewis:

Deep in the dark of despair
Deep in my heart there's a prayer
That faith will reign over fear
That courage and strength will be mine

My heart is heavy I don't understand
Yet I know my life is in your hands

I realize that I am incapable
Of changing alone the impossible
But I believe in miracles
Together our voices will rise

We are not powerless in the face of fear
As one we will stand and make our voices clear

When God's people pray things will change
When God's people pray all the earth will obey
My faith can't be shaken because I have seen
The amazing, miraculous happens
When God's people pray

Our defense in danger
Our light in the midst of life
Our strength in the weakest moment
Our hope through the night, the night
All things are possible when we let go
Let go of what we can't control

When God's people pray things will change
When God's people pray all the earth will obey
My faith can't be shaken because I have seen
The amazing, miraculous happens
When God's people pray
The peace that we need will only come when we get on our knees


When God's people pray you know things will change
When God's people pray all the earth will obey
My faith can't be shaken because I have seen
The amazing, miraculous happens
When God's people pray

Lorraine....Just wanted to encourage you to continue rallying the prayer warriors on Chrissie's behalf. God hears us....He's listening...He's answering! Praise God!"  ~Karen



20 comments:

Dana said...

Still praying for complete healing! Thank you Lorraine for sharing your testimony with the world.

Unknown said...

All that needs to be said is AMEN!

To God be all the GLORY!

Love and blessings,
Jill

Blogging Friend said...

Lorraine,
I am sorry I have not been able to post a comment in a while. For some reason I am having trouble leaving comments on blogger. Before when I wrote a comment, it might leave 2-3 of them. Now unless I copy them I loose the whole comment. The problem is when I try to put in my ID information for some reason it never takes my password correctly and I end up being sent to some strange screen and of course my stuff if lost.
Not sure what is going on but I need to let Blogger know about it.

Anyway to the real reason I am writing this. LOL!!
I have been telling you throughout all of this to believe in Miracles because they happen everyday. Chrissie is a TRUE sign that MIRACLES are very real and can happen, with God's support of course. I am just so happy that Chrissie is off the Ecmo machine and is stable. They are really good machines but not on long term basis. I cannot wait until she is awake and smiling that beautiful little smile.

I have been and will continue to pray for all of you every single day. I am just so excited how things are going to this point.

KEEP BELIEVING IN MIRACLES!!

Love,
Sheila

Bergsjourney said...

Lorraine
Chrissie's fight for her life has been truly miraculous as has your faith and unending strength. I can only hope we will be half as strong as you when Dylan has his open heart surgery this next year.
Deb (adopted Dylan through RR last December)

Kathleen said...

Love it!! I woke up last night at 3:30 am thinking of Chrissie. Just wanted you to know she was the first thought on my mind, and praying for her was the second. I met with 2 other women yesterday (one was planned, the other just Divine appt) and the 3 of us prayed. They laid hands on me and prayed Wed 11am for Chrissie and it was powerful, so powerful. Holy Spirit tingles all through my body, and didn't want to stop. All things work together for good for those who love the Lord!
A sister in Christ, to Him all the glory!

Melissa G said...

Wow. That's all I can say about all those comments!! I agree with the person who said this should be published someday. I have thought several times that someday these blog posts, (along with other comments/details of course) should be a book.

Sometimes when believers don't have the faith they need, they can glean it from the faith of their brothers and sisters. This is definitely the case in this situation!!!

Love coming your way from St. Louis...:)

Kari said...

Chrissie has been in my thoughts and prayers all day and I will continue to pray! Heal and get well sweet girl!

Debi said...

Still her and praying and beliving God for Chrissie's healing and praising Him for the progress and lives drawn to or bsck to Hime.
We serve and awesome God.
Love and hugs and prayers,
Debi

Nadia said...

Today I met and listened to Franklin Graham speak, and as he was speaking I was prying for Crissie...and as we sang ONE song I was begging God to completely and quickly heal her.

the song...one of my favorites!!

Savior
He can move the mountains
He is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever
author of Salvation
He rose and conqured the grave Jesus conqured the grave.

Looking Up said...

So thankful to God that your little Chrissie is improving. Continually praying for you all.... Kim

Emma said...

I have not commented since Chrissie's surgery, but I have done so before. Please know I have been following every day the past week still, but I never know what to say. There are so much things going on with Chrissie.

These comments amaze me. As does Chrissie. I am trying to pray for her as much as I can. Chrissie, I can't wait for the day when you can get up out of there and talk to everyone again!

I guess I'm also amazed at God. These miracles seem like Bible-time miracles- you just don't seem to have so many nowadays. But I am now accepting the fact that yes, God does still perform miracles!

Please know I am thinking of you all very regularly at the moment.

Much love from across the ocean in Scotland.

Emma

The Mr. said...

Hi Lorraine,
I just wanted to leave a comment also, well more of a note really. Actually it might turn into a short letter. Lu and I have been following this so closely. Your daughter hasn't left our prayers and thoughts one moment, all day it's about hitting the refresh button and praying.
This has been such a strengthening of our faith as individuals but something else has struck me. That is the subject of our prayers (and apparently those of many people around the world) and what is actually happening simultaneously in the PICU. There have been times when we have be quoting a scripture in our prayers or just really focussed on a particular thing and that has been what was needing prayer.
Jesus said "I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it."
For me this has been happening on a spectaqcular supernatural level in this situation. People have started rediscovering their faith, people have started really listening to God and interceding on behalf of Chrissie to the point where their prayers are so spot on it can only be attributed to God. What a mighty God we serve. We will continue to pray for your beautiful daughter.

I'm not kidding, the other day you posted a scripture, I believe it was Ezekiel 16:6,7a? Well I picked up my Bible and opened it up, one of those moments where a verse jumps out, I saw nothing else on the page but this
Zechariah 9:16,17a
"The LORD their God will save them on that day as the flock of His people.
They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown.
How attractive and beautiful they will be,"

"To GOD be the glory, great things he hath done."

Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered. I will contend with him that contends with thee and I will save thy children.
Isaiah 49:25

For I have given unto you all authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all power of the enemy and by no means be harmed.
William - London
Luke 10:19

Anonymous said...

Prayers from NJ!

Anonymous said...

God's glory makes me shake like a leaf as I see his hand at work, as I see people coming to the Lord through what most people saw as an unfortunate tragedy and nothing more.

I don't know much about God's will, about how perfection aligns with brokenness, but I do know that the Lord our redeemer is making Chrissie new again, and in this miracle, people all over the world are coming into the presence of the Lord.

Revelation 21:5
He who was seated on the throne said, "I AM MAKING EVERYTHING NEW!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."

So now I pray for LIFE so that the God will be seen in Chrissie for many years to come.

Deuteronomy 30:15-20
This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Chrissie has chosen LIFE!

May the Lord be glorified.

-Robin-

Anonymous said...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciW8r-5kCDY

"Did you know that the voice that brings the dead to life
Is the very same voice that calls you now to rise?

You will be safe in His arms
You will be safe in His arms
'Cause the hands that hold the world
Are holding your heart

The is the promise He made
He will be with you always
When everything is falling apart
You will be safe in His arms"
~Phil Wickham(Safe)

Praying for you, sweet Chrissie!

Jodi said...

I think about Chrissie all day long. She is my last thought (and prayer)at night and my first in the morning.

I am waiting for a miracle.

But I have to remind myself that perhaps the real miracle was that an orphan girl got to experience what it's like to have a family and live life to the fullest.

What it's like to be loved more than anything, to be CHERISHED.

To feel like a princess... to dance with her father.

She know's what it's like to feel pure joy...and to share that joy with others.

She know's what it's like to be a beloved daughter, not only to her earthly parents, but her Heavenly Father as well.

She know's what it's like to be surrounded by people that love her!

She know's Jesus.

For a Serbian orphan girl, I'd say THAT'S a miracle.

Phyllis said...

My daughter and I continue to pray for Chrissie and your family. She told me this morning she wanted to ask her classmates to pray for Chrissie, too. Glad the muscle relaxer helped her rest. Thanks so much for taking the time to talk on Brent's radio show. I've listened each night.
Phyllis

Anonymous said...

Lorraine, I believe you know me well enough to know that I am pretty stoic, take things in stride pretty well, and you know that I struggle with separating the medical and the spiritual. Chrissie and the events of the past few days have just had me on my KNEES, my face in the carpet, tears in my eyes for much of the time. I am physically and emotionally exhausted just from reading (and hitting refresh every few minutes!!). Your faith and grace under pressure is inspiring and your unrelenting BELIEF is just...WOW. As we struggle her with our own medical issues I lift my face up and just take the grace that I get. Keep up the good fight Chrissie, can't wait until you can talk to us all about what you are hearing, feeling, knowing, believing right now. Blessings on another glorious day. Nancy

Angela said...

WOW! AMAZED. Thank You Jesus.

I have a 3 year old son, Noah. Today he asked me what I kept reading on the computer. I told him about Chrissie. I should him a couple of pictures and told him she was very sick. He asked if she hurt. I said yes, and that we needed to pray for her. Tonight before bed Noah grabbed his Yo Gabba Gabba guitar and said he was going to sing to Jesus for Chrissie - and he sang - "Don't be afraid, don't be afraid, It's OK," for 10 minutes and then said AMEN. I stood in awe.

Ellen said...

Lorraine, Thanks for the blessing you have given me by allowing me to immerse in scripture and share my findings. May the Lord speak, in his own words to your heart, Matt's and Chrissie's.

Psalm 51:10,12,15,17 Create in me a pure heart O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Restore to me the JOY of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.
O Lord open my lips and my mouth will declare your praise.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit a broken and contrite heart O God you will not despise.

Jeremiah 31:18 Restore me and I will return, because you are the Lord my God.

Lamentations 5:21 Restore us to yourself O Lord that we may return;

1 Peter 5:10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

2 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore we do not loose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

2 Corinthians 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. It is written:" I believed; therefore I have spoken." With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak; because we know that the one who raised Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence.

Isaiah 12:2-6 2 Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust and not be afraid.
The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation."

3 With joy you will draw water
from the wells of salvation.

4 In that day you will say:
"Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name;
make known among the nations what he has done,
and proclaim that his name is exalted.

5 Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things;
let this be known to all the world.

6 Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion,
for great is the Holy One of Israel among you."

Acts 4:30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.

Praying these and many other blessings on you and your entire family.

Love,
Ellen

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