It was an extraordinarily hard day today for no other reason than I allowed myself to get caught up in my limited perspective which is saturated with fear and worry. I went to bed feeling balanced and grounded. I enjoyed a restful night’s sleep (thank you, Kate C.) yet awoke feeling like I had stepped off the edge into a rapid free fall.
This is where I really need to stay on guard and recognize evil forces for what they are – a determined attempt to shatter me. While talking on the phone this morning with my dear friend Tonya I was reminded of so much I felt like I already knew, but clearly needed reminding! It turns out that it’s the times such as these that scripture REALLY comes in handy. How truly important it is to stay familiar with it – to read it, study it, meditate on it, memorize it, and PRACTICE it!! When you can throw a memorized verse from scripture out in your defense, that gives you great power over evil.
I also spoke with James Mummert this afternoon. There he was in all of his mere 24 years offering a much-older-(not necessarily wiser)-me such wisdom and spiritual insight; despite having just suffered their own grievous loss. He suggested that Satan is especially out to get us. As authors of blogs that have drawn in thousands of people we need to be particularly on guard. There are evil entities that can’t stand the fact that we are inspiring and blessing others by sharing our stories. Satan would love nothing more than for us to succumb to our circumstances instead of allowing God to use them for his glory. We have to recognize it for what it is and arm ourselves against it. We need to remember that good ALWAYS triumphs over evil and to stay strong in Christ!
In a state of desperation this morning I “threw myself down on Facebook’s floor” in front of the 2000+ members of the Praying for Nora group. Knowing the power of prayer, I cast aside any pride or desire for privacy. Yes, I was falling apart. But what better way to rally the troops than through social networking? Prayer was my only hope here. By early evening I felt the aching of fear and worry start to melt away. Thank you for lifting me up in your prayers and literally saving me from the clutches of hell. I definitely felt your prayers!
This sweet little girl has no idea about anything. The only thing she knows about is love (and milkies).
(and kitties)
(and more kitties)
(and sisters)
(and sleeps) Night night!
Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes. (2 Corinthians 2:11 NLT)
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21 NIV)
iwillcarryyou 
HI ALEISA AND FAMILY. I AM SORRY YOU HAD A ROUGH DAY. THAT SONG IS BEAUTIFUL AND OH SO TRUE!! AS HUMANS, WE HAVE TO REMIND OURSELVES THAT OUR GOD IS STRONGER AND THAT HE LOVES US AND WILL NOT LET SATAN TAKE OVER OUR LIVES. SATAN HATES PRAYERS, AND THERE ARE SO MANY PRAYERS GOING UP FOR NORA AND YOUR FAMILY, HE HAS TO BE VERY MAD, LET’S KEEP HIM THAT WAY!!! WE WILL ALL KEEP OUR PRAYERS GOING STRONG, AND I BELIEVE EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT. I TRULY LOVE THE PICTURES. THE ONE OF GRETA AND NORA IS SO GOOD, IT REALLY SHOWS WHAT LOVE IS ALL ABOUT. NORA ROSE IS JUST A BEAUTIFUL LITTLE GIRL AND IS LOVED BY SO MANY PEOPLE. LOVE THE PICTURE OF NORA AND THE BROWN KITTY. LOOKS LIKE THE KITTY IS THINKING COME ON LET’S PLAY. BOTH THE CATS ARE WATCHING OVER NORA. ANOTHER REALLY CUTE OUTFIT. NORA LOOKS LIKE A DOLL BABY IN ALL HER PRETTY CLOTHES. HOPE YOU ALL GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP, AND WAKE UP IN THE MORNING FEELING STRONG AND REFRESHED. LOVE YOU ALL. GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS.
Praying for you and your beautiful family. Your strength and faith is so inspiring to so many people. God bless you, baby Nora, and the rest of your sweet family.
How did I miss your post on FB yesterday? I had no idea you were having such a bad day. I want you to know something…. and this I know because I have been told this by people AND I feel the same way sometimes. There are so many people out there who read about and follow Nora that never post a response. Mainly because they don’t even know how to begin offering prayers, well-wishes and words of comfort to such an inspiring and amazingly strong woman who can take simple words and turn them into the most thought provoking messages of God’s love. They feel their words cannot express their emotions fairly. BUT… these are the same people who wince when a post is late, wonder and think about your family constantly, know everything there is to know about Nora (that you have written) and are lifted up out of their own desperate issues when they think about her. They grab their morning coffee and go to Nora’s blog, or they make sure it is the last thing they do before they go to sleep at night… ending their day with your sweet family on their minds and in their prayers. They internalize and carry with them whatever gem of scripture you have chosen for that day. There may be 25 responses or 5 or 50 to something you have posted. But whatever you need, thousands of people see it and pray for you, pray for Nora and pray for your family.
SO… of course Satan is pissed! He will come at you from every single angle possible. He will attack your spirit, your mind and your heart in every way possible. You have changed people… NORA has changed people… people he had a nice and comfortable grip on. If he can instill fear and anxiety in you, he will. Because fear and anxiety are signs of disbelief (I just heard this the other day)… if you really believe God is in control of a situation, why ON EARTH would you be fearful? I tried to remember this during the terribly bumpy and turbulent plane ride home from Montana last week as I began to envision my children without parents. I am not a terribly nervous flyer either, but it started to consume me and my breathing got shallow and I pinched the hell out of John’s hand. Your words, your blog, your strength were somewhere in my head. Somewhere down deep I could hear over and over “God is in control. Settle down.” And I could almost see your blog in front of me. Through no coincidence, I was settled and back to noticing the older lady next to John trying to write some kind of letter with the bumpy ride. I wanted to say “Ever hear of an iPad?” because she was getting exasperated that her handwriting was getting messed up 🙂
I assure you, this happens over and over and over to others on a daily basis. Try to REALLY believe what you are writing because you are writing absolute truth. Your own words will be of great comfort to you. But then again, they aren’t really your words, are they? Such a God-inspired blog. XOXO!!
Thank you Kate, well said.
Totally agree! I don’t always post a reply but always check the blog to make sure Nora is ok before going to bed. And worry if Alecia is exhausted if she hasn’t posted or that everything is ok there. But my thoughts and prayers are with your family. I find myself whispering a quick prayers as I go about my day when you come to mind.
What Kate said is TRUE… thanks, Kate! I am ashamed to say that I am one of those people who has been following your blog for the last month and not written anything to you yet, but Kate’s reply has given me a gentle nudge to say… I am praying for your family, Aleisa. I am blessed by your words (what a gift from God). I am moved by your transparency. I am encouraged by your faith.
Jesus alone offers salvation, amazing grace, new mercies every day, immeasurable love, unsurpassable peace, forgiveness, fullness of joy in His Presence, victory over our enemy and on and on and on!!! The battle you described is so very real, but remember that you are more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:37)… an overcomer by the blood of the Lamb and the word of your testimony. (Rev. 12:11)
Your testimony is bringing life and hope to so many. May you feel the sweet Presence of Jesus enveloping you today… know that you are dearly loved! Accept His invitation to “Come”, and let Him provide you with “soul rest”. (Matt. 11:28) It’s when we’re dry and empty that He can fill us up to overflowing with Himself, and then we can “Splash Jesus”, and the life, hope and freedom He offers, wherever we go! Keep “splashing” Sister!
In the Grip of His Grace,
Jenny (old school mate of Bill’s)
Dear Aleisa, I just want you to know that there have been so many times you have ministered to me with what you say and just now, reading your blog, I was ministered to by you once again. What Kate said is so true ! I dont ever miss a day of your blog, not only just to see how Nora is doing, but to be inspired by you !!! The things you say apply to me more than you will ever know, I cant even put it into words to describe how much I get out of what has been reveled to you in some form and turn out to be exactly what I needed !!! You are such a blessing to me and I want you to know that I pray for little Nora every day. Thank you for sharing her with all of us. God definitely has a plan for you and he is using you through Nora to reach out to many people. You have many people out here praying for you !! You are not alone. When you get those feelings of fear, girl get on here and cry out to us and we will lift you back up, you see, not only did God put you out here for us, he put us out here for you !!! Where two or three are gathered in his name, he is there also, so just think of hundreds of us all banding together and praying….Satan will have no choice but to flee. Thank you for all you do !!!!
Amen.
If I could “like” Kate R’s comment on here a million times, I would. It is well said and very truthful. I cannot imagine being in your shoes with one of my girls. I know how I feel about them and I know you feel the same way about your kids. I would give my life for them and I know you would for yours. If I were in the position that you are in with Nora I’m not sure I could handle it with the grace that you handle it with. We always want the best for our children and want them to go far in life. I will say that Nora has rocked it in these past 11 weeks. If only I could be the witness at the age of 29 that she is at 11 weeks!! I hope that you can look back during your darkest moments and find so much comfort at what she is done in peoples lives and please know that you can count myself as one of those people that she has touched and forever changed. Thank you Nora Rose and thank you to her mommy for being such a brave, honest, caring person to share your story with the world in hopes of bringing one more person closer to God.
There is no way Satan can win over you! You are to strong and wise ! I hope that you a beautiful 4th!
How do you do it? Everyday when I read your blog, your words seem to resonate right to my soul. Youve helped me to see everything so clearly and deeply. He no doubt is using you and Nora for His will. I think you should consider publishing a daily devotional. Your words always calm me, as does sweet Nora’s perfect smile.
There are so many prayers out there being sent to God. He already knows how you feel and the fear that stands knocking at the door. But fear is real and I can’t imagine how I would feel in your shoes. Thank you for being so open to all of us and calling out to God. I am so thankful that He already knows but also He wants His children all over the world to know that He is always there for each of us. Nora, you and the rest of your family are being His spokesperson to the world. I commit myself to be in constant prayer for you and Nora. Do not be hard on yourself because of the fear as you are human and are with the reminder daily of the fragilness of life. When you are not at your strongest – reach out to your family througout the world and allow us to carry the message of prayer for you and send them upward to God. Rest in the peace and knowledge knowling that others are there for you. When I speak these words – I have also walked in fear and have called out to friends to pray when I think that I don’t have the words, strength to do it for myself. I look forward to your blogs and the beautiful pictures of precious little Nora. I smile as I see the little wrinkles forming in her legs and arms as you faithfully give you her “milkies” and she grows. Peace and love to you all. Jackie
Oh how uplifting! I’m so thankful you were again uplifted and reminded of the power God gives us over satan through the Holy Spirit. Fear is one of the easiest ways the Devil can get to us and keep us down. Thankfully God gave us a most easy way out. All we have to do is pray, shout out against satan, Gather together and call on God and the Spirit to cast out these fears, for if we are filled with the spirit there is no room for fear. Ask for their protection and wisdom to notice the beginnings of fear trying to seep in. thankfully you can recognize it and rally your support in all their various places, home, church, FB, and blog readers, and together we can support and lift each other up and extinguish the plan of satan. Much love to you!
I heard about your beautiful family and baby Nora through a mutual acquaintance. My baby Lucy was also diagnosed with trisomy 18 prenatally. She was born 3 weeks early on March 27th. Today she is 100 days old. Call me soon, even today if you have time. I am a pediatrician and now a mother with a beloved baby who happens to have trisomy 18. I understand the tremndous anguish you have regarding what to do for baby Nora. I can help you.
P.S. I love Nora’s 4th of July outfit.
Happy 4th of July, Nora. 11 weeks old, and still such a lovely inspiration. We celebrate the 4th of July because we recieved freedom from Tyranny a long time ago on this day, because people loved the idea of freedom so much that they faught hard to obtain it for themselves and for you. This freedom took many forms, including religious freedom that we treasure so dear. Now here we are on the 4th of July and Satan is on the prowl as always, and the evil one hates this religious freedom that we hold so dear. He is attaching it on many levels, all over the place, but he will not win, God id on our side, and no one can take that away, hard as they may try.
We have freedom to love, and live, and your posts are a great example of the freedom to state the truth, and Satan hates the truth. Stay strong little girl. We love you, and we will pray for Angels to come to you, and to surround, and defend your home. We Love you
Praying for you and your family. Of course Satan wants it, prayer and the lords strength is glorious and every lasting!! Do not despair and feel him, strength, love, and healing come from prayer.
What a beautiful gift from God…sweet baby girl.