“Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad…” John 11:14-15
Emilie is now 40 weeks old and has reached 7.4 lbs. The move to Fontana was successful. And though we were extremely fond of the medical staff in Anaheim, the Fontana team has really made us feel at home. With Emilie only 5 miles from home, I’m able to spend significantly more time with her. I often arrive at the hospital around 7:30am and will stay till noon. I then will come back around 4pm and stay until Holly gets off of work at 7pm and joins me.
We found out that the pediatric neurosurgeon monitoring Emilie’s status is a Christian. Her nurse last night was the wife of our youth pastor at Mt. Rubidoux. And today her nurse called me over to her bedside to pray with her. Together we laid hands on her and prayed for God’s healing to make manifest. We’re grateful that Emilie is surrounded by fellow believers.
They have not tapped Emilie since July 27th. Her head size has slightly increased due to the fluid buildup, however right now her doctor is just closely monitoring her status. He’s wanting to install the shunt only if it’s absolutely necessary.
I find myself emotionally (and if I’m honest spiritually) caught between a rock and a hard place. I desperately want to see God manifest His glory by eliminating the hydrocephalous without the need for a shut. However on the other hand, as I see her head size slowly increasing I find myself growing frustrated that the doctor has not tapped nor put the shunt in. As humans we’re so fickle… and controlling. We want God to do it, but we want it done our way and on our time. And if it’s not our way we simply say “God get out the way, I’ll take care of this. SMH!
A friend stopped by the hospital last night to visit. Unbeknownst to him, his words were exactly what I needed to hear. He reminded me of the song “In His Time, He makes all things beautiful in His time.” We then recalled to mind how when Jesus heard of the death of Lazarus one of the first things He said was, “I’m glad”. Though everyone sorrowed at the death of a brother and friend, Jesus rejoiced for it was an opportunity to showcase the glory of God.
So with or without a shunt I will rejoice at the occasion God has created to showcase His glory not only at Kaiser Anahiem but now also in Fontana. And I will rest in the fact that He does make all things beautiful in His time.
As I was holding Emilie today I saw my reflection in her eyes. More than just my image, I saw myself in her… my flesh and blood. The next generation has come and my life has been imparted into another. My decisions will affect her. My choices will shape her. She will perfect my strengths, and my weaknesses she will wrestle with and overcome. She will stand on my shoulders and will be better than me, smarter than me, and more successful than me. I will intercede for her. I will fight for her. I am her voice, her advocate, and her father. She is my child and I love her.
Emilie Grace 
Amen Pastor Seth. God be glorified in little Emilie Grace’s life moment by moment.
Amen again. In His Time. Praising God for her progress. Keep the faith fam.
Dear Seth and Holly, What joy fills my heart each time I read your updates. God is faithful and my prayer continues to be that you will trust God and His outcome. Emilie Grace is blessed to have you as her parents. May God continue to uphold you all with His righteous right hand and saturate your lives with His grace. Much love to you.
GOD is faithful always and forever!!!!!
She is beautiful Seth & Holly. I continue to keep you all lifted and rejoice in what God has done.
Praise God!!!! Too whom all blessing flow
Tears were in my eyes this morning! You have no idea how your journey/testament has been an inspiration in my life. God bless and keep you three as I continue to keep you all in my prayers!
I recently read that the Lord saved His greatest miracle for Lazarus because He loved Him so much. Emilie grace is beautiful! May God continue to bless you and your beautiful family!
Praise GAWD!!!!!!!
Amen, Emile is going to be well, she will grow to be a God fearing woman. God will see you through it all, keep on the faith and we remember you in our prayers every day.
Emilie “es una bella bebe” she is going to be G to G!
This beautiful testimony of faith and love brought tears to my eyes and reinvigorated me in tandem.May The Lord continue to showcase His glory and grace through Emilie Grace. Stay strong on your knees.God will accomplish great things in her life in His time.
We are confident that God ‘will’ work all things out for His Glory and for your good. We love you and we have been praying for Emilie Grace daily. Keep holding on in faith.
Your words about being caught between a rock and a hard place reminded me of these verses from Isa 43:2,3 (the MSG version)–
Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you.
I’ve called your name. You’re mine.
When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you.
When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you’re between a rock and a hard place,
it won’t be a dead end—
Because I am God, your personal God,
The Holy of Israel, your Savior.
Our church in Winnipeg, MB continues to pray regularly for Emilie & your family.
Pastor, keep the faith. Satan often discourages us. Remember God is always on time. He was on time when Abraham was about to take the life of his son. I believe the testimonies of you and your wife have touched many and God is now using Emilie to do her part in His vineyard.
Let us stay on our knees because there is where the battle is won. God bless you and family
Sheila
LOOOOOOK at that chunky lil girl! was just praying in the name of Jesus that whatever demonic forces are trying to bind our emilie grace and hide the glory of God be broken and cast down under her feet n decided to come see how she was doing. lookin beautiful, holly!
oh, n now reading, wow..7.4 lbs…glory, glory, glory to GOD! good stuff! the name of the Lord is to be praised! i believe He’s already spoken about emilie grace and just expects us to have faith that she’s healed, just as He expected mary n martha to have faith…when HE says this sickness is not unto death, we just have to do our job and wait in faith to see His Word manifest. the devil’s job is to distract us with hydrocephalus, n head size, n lazarus’ death…it’s the devil’s job to wrestle. it’s God’s job to win. it’s our job to worship. i’m going forth praising for her healing, in Jesus’ name n for His glory.
no updates on our little lady? praying for her. God bless. i pray for her sometimes in my sleep..as i’m waking up i’m praying..God loves her so 😉
Seth and Holly, thank you so much for encouraging me in faith when my heart was weary from such a long journey in the NICU. Sweet Emilie Grace has grown so much, and come so far! Cling to the amazing blessings God has bestowed, and know that He has used, and continues to use, the three of you in ways you may never even know. God bless you in your continued path to healing.