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weary

Today we are weary. All the exhaustion and emotion of this new journey is catching up to us. We are so thankful that even though our bodies and minds are tired we can still look to the Lord for strength to get through another day. His Word has been so living and real to us through all of this. It’s like He is speaking directly to us. He is!

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:28-31

Cora has improved throughout the day. She was struggling with her breathing and was so tired. The doctor decided to put her on a C-PAP so that she wouldn’t have to work so hard to breathe. The also have continued to give her morphene throughout the day. She was finally able to relax and get some sleep. Cora’s chemo will end early tomorrow morning (around 5am). Praise the Lord! We are so thankful to be almost over this first little hump. After her chemo ends they will be able to give her calories and protiens through her IV. They decided not to give Cora a feeding tube, but she hasn’t been able to eat today. She is sleeping soundly now. We are hoping she gets lots of rest tonight.

Praises:

-Cora’s electrolyte levels have remained stable
-The first round of chemo is almost over!! Yeah!
-Cora rested comfortably this afternoon
-Encouraging visits from Cora’s pediatrician and oncologist
-Joel and I got to take naps today

Prayer Requests:

-Cora’s electrolyte levels to remain stable the last few hours of chemo
-Cora’s breathing would improve
-Cora would get enough nutrients through her IV and be able to eat again soon
-Comfort and rest for Cora
-Rest and renewed strength for Cora’s parents and extended family
-Continued reliance on God through this journey
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  • Sheryl - Love those verses. Love your faith. Praying that God will bring healing. That He will provide rest. And somehow His peace would be physically felt.ReplyCancel

  • meleea - we are praying for your cora!! praying for rest and strength for your family. God is a big God and He can do more than we could ever ask or imagine!ReplyCancel

  • Margaret - Praying for healing for your little girl.ReplyCancel

  • heather spratt - I am still praying…

    Wishing you peace, comfort & a good nights sleep!

    Much love,
    HeatherReplyCancel

  • Melissa - I’m praying hard for you and your dear sweet little angel. May God be there and hold you all in His arms tonight.

    God bless and thank you for keeping us updated so we know how to pray.ReplyCancel

  • Rambling Girl - First time visiting and I am praying for your little Cora! Also a hug to mommy and daddy! God is good and he will take care of Cora!ReplyCancel

  • Hey Harriet - My thoughts are with baby Cora and her family. xoReplyCancel

  • Eryn - Praying for your sweet Cora, and her mommy and daddy 🙂

    May God bless you all with strength, peace and hope for this journey.

    Praying Cora has a good day and night today. ErynReplyCancel

  • Rose Haven - We continue to pray for Cora, family and hospital staff.

    Many others are praying, too…and picking up the “Cora Needs Prayer Button” I designed. Please visit our blog and get the “Button”, too…so visitors here can post it, too!

    ~Blessings,
    Jan & TomReplyCancel

  • Darrel Voth - Hey there Macs, it’s so good that you all are blogging and posting photos. And it’s great that you’re drawing your strength from the Lord and his Word. Keep with Him, he loves you and Cora so much. I praise God for your honest reliance on him and your openness with others. He is doing something good even in the middle of all this hard, hard stuff. Praying for extra grace for beautiful Cora and her loving parents…ReplyCancel

  • Jeremy, Jennalee and Julia Ekeland - So good to hear that you guys are somewhat getting rest. Glad to know how Cora is doing and praising God that (since it’s 8:00am) her chemo is DONE!!! Praying for you guys every time we think of you…all day long. And as you already know this has been through HIS filter first. 🙂 Love you guys!ReplyCancel

  • kristin at prairiedaze.com - I’m so glad you could sleep.ReplyCancel

  • Amy - I stumbled upon your blog from another that mentioned your sweet little Cora in the comments on Kayleigh Freeman’s blog. Keep your faith, God is good ALL the time. I am going to put Cora on our prayer list at church today. I am a nurse at Children’s Mercy in KC. If I can answer anything for you, please contact me.

    In Christ’s Love,

    Amy in KSReplyCancel

  • Peyton's Pages - I’m praying for you and your little girl. I posted a link to your blog from mine, I hope you don’t mind.ReplyCancel

  • The Sweigart Family - She should not be off her chemo treatments. Praying that she is getting the nutrients she now needs and resting peacefully. And glad to hear you guys got naps. Hope you can get another one today!ReplyCancel

  • blessedmomto7 - I’m so glad you had some praises to report. We will be fervently praying for all of you!

    Hugs and Love!ReplyCancel

  • June - Our family is praying for Cora. My kids are praying for her, too. They are in love with Cora after seeing her pictures and ask me about her often.ReplyCancel

  • i love plum - Cora was in my thoughts as I went to bed last night and again first thing this morning. I just can’t shake this little girl from my thoughts and I won’t. I am praying hard for you and will until I know she is healthy again. xo

    ps…oddly enough the ‘word verification’ I need to type in is ‘a cure’ 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Jared - We’re still praying…as are several little third graders and teachers in Derby. ~ Heidi (Regier) BurgessReplyCancel

  • PamperingBeki - Continued prayers from us and our church family.

    Not to sound cliche, but please let me know if there’s anything I can do, in addition to pray. Really.ReplyCancel

  • Sara - I posted a link from your blog to mine, I hope you don’t mind. I figure the more that pray for her, the better. You are in our thoughts.ReplyCancel

  • Amy - You are constantly in my thoughts… all 3 of you. Continue to rely on Him. You are amazing parents.ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - Still praying for your little champ.
    Blessings-
    Laura from FLReplyCancel

  • Bobbi - Today I am fasting as well as praying for Cora. I pray that you and baby Cora will find peace.ReplyCancel

  • The Nebrigs - Praying for you all. You guys are truly glorifying our Lord through this journey. May he continue to give you peace, rest, and complete healing.ReplyCancel

  • Marie - I’m glad you were able to get some rest (Cora too). Still praying…ReplyCancel

  • Mere - I don’t know ya’ll and ya’ll don’t know me, but I have spent a significant amount of time on my knees begging God to bring ya’ll and your adorable little girl peace and comfort. Please know that a family in Tulsa is praying very hard for ya’ll. Your faith is amazing and very inspirational.ReplyCancel

  • Livesays - Jess and Joel,
    You and Cora are in our constant thoughts and prayers. We are praying for Cora’s comfort and healing and strength and peace for you both.

    We have told Caden about baby Cora and he too prays every night (in his words) for baby Cora’s sickness to be all gone and for her to feel good again.

    Your faith and complete reliance on the Lord is a awe inspiring! May you be shown His grace during these trying days.

    Praying for you all!
    SarahReplyCancel

  • Amy - We are praying for precious Cora, and her family. Praying for strength and a great peace that passes all understanding and her complete healing. Just remember that our God is bigger than any circumstance, let him carry you through this. Much love, AmyReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth - Glad to hear that she got some rest, and that you did too. We hope that you have an “up” day today. You all are never far from our prayers.ReplyCancel

  • Damian, Marla, Clara, Oliver and Isabel - Baby Cora, we are praying for you several times a day. You precious little girl. May God’s peace and healing lift you up. Clara and her family send loving hugs to you.ReplyCancel

  • Courtney - Still praying for you and your sweet baby girl Cora. Glad to see you all got some much needed rest. You’re in our thoughts and prayers all the time.

    Love In Christ
    Kelly and CourtneyReplyCancel

  • Leigh Skoda - I just want you to know that I am praying for your precious little baby girl Cora. I am a registered nurse that works with Kristy McClenahan, and she is the one who told me about your blog. You both have amazing strength, and always have faith, and don’t forget about the positives, which is very important! I think about your family and Cora often and pray that she gets better very soon! I’m also praying that the nurses there keep her as happy and comfortable as possible! You are all in my prayers!!!

    Sincerely,
    Leigh SkodaReplyCancel

  • velvet brick - I came across your blog last night and I was so sorry to hear of your ‘new journey’…. Cora is a sweet pea and for some reason, I didn’t sleep well last night and would think of her and you… Today, in church, during our quiet prayer time, I prayed to God for Cora…and for you and your husband. I will continue to do this….may the next few days bring good news and some peace for Cora and you. God bless..
    VBReplyCancel

  • C.C. and Double T - Praying for you throughout the day and shared your story with our Sunday School class this morning.ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - Lord,
    We believe and confess Your Word concerning healing. As we do this, we believe and say that Your Word will not return to You void, but will accomplish what it says it will. Therefore, we pray in the name of Jesus for healing and wholeness for Cora according to 1 Peter 2:24. It is written in Your Word that Jesus himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses SO with great boldness and confidence we say on the authority of that written Word that she is redeemed from the curse of cancer and she is released from the symptoms. We speak against Satan in the name of Jesus and say that his principalities and powers are bound from operating against Cora and her family in any way. We are the property of Almighty God and we will give Satan no place in our lives. We will abide, remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty, whose power no foe can withstand. We ask now, Father, that Your Word will abide in Cora and deliver to her perfect wholeness in body and spirit; restore to her your wonderful gift of a body free from cancer that can grow and thrive where you have placed her; Lord, relieve her of all pain, fear, and discomfort. Confound the doctors’ wisdom by healing her little body of every cancer cell. Restore every organ and every cell of her body according to Your Word. We know that Your Word is power and restores to her TOTAL health. Thank you, Father, for Your guardian angels, and we ask that they will encamp around Cora and Joel and Jessica and deliver them from any other complication related to the cancer or treatments. May they feel Your presence and peace. Increase their faith so they may look to You for a life of health, healing, and wholeness in full assurance in the power of Your promises.
    In Jesus’ Name we pray,
    AmenReplyCancel

  • kana - I am praying for your little girl to be healed and for all of your family. She is a beatiful little girl!!
    KanaReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - Sending many prayers and good wishes your way from London. Your strength and faith is truely inspirational, God bless you.ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - I’m praying for strength and rest for you and widsom for your team of doctors. Cora is being lifted up in prayer to our strong and mighty God. Much love to you all. Kay GardnerReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - You have lots of love and prayers going your way. Divine intervention saved my baby who is now a normal 11 year old girl, thanks to God. So many prayes were said for her. A special one was to our Infant Jesus of Prague:
    O Child Jesus, I have recourse to Thee. Through Thy holy Mother, I impore Thee to assist me in this, my necessity, for I firmly believe Thou canst aid me. I confidently hope to obtain Thy holy grace. I love Thee with my whole heart and my whole soul. I am heartily sorry for my sins and entreat Thee, O good Jesus, to give me strength to overcome them.
    I am firmly resolved never to offend Thee again and to suffer everything rather than displease Thee. Henceforth, I wish to serve Thee faithfully. For love of Thee, O divine Child, I will love my neighbor as myself. O Jesus, omnipotent Child, I entreat Thee again to come to my asistance in this necessity. (Mention your request.)
    Grant that I may possess Thee eternally, with Mary and Joseph, and adore Thee with Thy holy angels and saints in heaven. Amen.
    O Infant Jesus of Prague, omnipotent God, I implore Thee, through the powerful intercession of Thy holy Mother Mary in Thy boundless mercy and omnipotence, to look favorably upon the petition for which I so earnestly pray.
    O Divine Infant Jesus, hear my prayer and grant my petition. (3 times.)
    Our Father, Hil Mary, Glory be to the Father, etc.
    Short Novena
    O Jesus, Who has said, “Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you;” through the intercession of Mary, Thy most holy Mother, I knock, I seek, I ask that my prayer be granted. (Mention your request.)
    O Jesus, Who has said, “All that you ask the Father in My Name, He will grant you;” through the intercession of our Lady, Thy most holy Mother, I humbly and urgently ask Thy Father in Thy Name that my prayer be granted. (Mention your request.)
    O Jesus, Who has said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away but my word shall not pass away;” through the intercession of Mary, Thy most holy Mother, I am confident that my prayer will be granted. (Mention your request.)
    We are praying for Cora like so many others. God bless you all.ReplyCancel

  • Katie - I am praying for Cora and your entire family right now. I do not know you guys but your family was mentioned in our Sunday School class last Sunday and we are praying for you guys over here [Hesston] and I pray that God gives you guys peace through everything that is happening.ReplyCancel

  • Shawn - Praying for rejuvenation and rest for all of you. Thinking of you minute by minute.
    XOReplyCancel

  • Laura Rucker - Thinking and praying for your sweet baby girl.
    LauraReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - HI! We prayed for you and your precious little angel today at our church here in Poplar Grove, Illinois. We will continue to pray for you and will be thinking of you all of the time. We wish you strength and peace and grace, and will not stop praying! I found your blog through Angie Smith’s blog just a couple of days ago…God Bless you all, and I pray right now for a safe and restful night for little Cora, and for you as well. with love and prayers, Erica in IllinoisReplyCancel

  • As the World "Kerns" - I just read about your baby, Cora, I am praying for her and your family. May you feel peace and may the Lord bless you.ReplyCancel

  • Margaret - I have been praying for your beautiful baby girl since I heard your story. I will continue to do so, praying for her healing and comfort and for strength for your family. Your faith is an amazing testimony.ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - I am a Cora Prayer warrior one of thousands. We are trying to carry you and let other’s know how to help as well. You must be weary, but know when you are weary WE will be stronger. You are a true testimate to your Faith. Inspiring, and Encouraging amidst your trials. What amazing people you are. Although we may never meet on Earth. We will one day in heaven. You inspire me to be a better Christian. May God hold you closely and allow everyone that reads this to pass on the word about Cora so that we may all lift her up in prayer to our saving Christ.
    Alana in GeorgiaReplyCancel

  • jEnNy - Praying hard for Miss Cora!ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - Hi to everyone that visits here. Please if you take the time to read the comments, please :-)take the time to post to these lovely parents. I am sure that it is getting them through some tough times. I am sure that everyone here wants them to know that they are thinking of them. But let’s show them how much we are. We can make a difference. WE are Prayer Warriors for Cora.
    Katie
    KatieReplyCancel

  • Megan Noel - Just want you to know I think of you all day long. Really. Love you both, Megan MaceReplyCancel

  • Cristy - Love, hugs and so many, many prayers from me, yet again. Thank you for updating your blog so we will know how best to pray for Cora. Keep the FAITH. God will heal little Cora. I know it!

    Cristy HarderReplyCancel

  • Stefanie - I continue to pray as do many of my friends! Thanks for the updates and for sharing your faith with so many. WOW—your faith is amazing. I know you have hard days, but just keep your faith. You are an inspiration to me and many and I am honored to pray for your family.ReplyCancel

  • Amber - Your faith is a true testimony to God’s word. Cora is a precious little girl and she is being lifted up in prayer by many around the world. I continue to pray for her daily and ask God to blast the cancer away and let her continue to grow in His light and greatness. She is in the palm of His hands and is being surrounded by His love and that is such a great place for her to be. He will provide her with comfort and strength to continue on this journey to win this battle. You guys are inspiring as you continue to trust in God to get you through this most troubling time.

    Always in my Prayers,
    Amber in San Antonio, TexasReplyCancel

  • Beth - May God give you great strength and show His mighty power in days to come. Praying for your precious child.ReplyCancel

  • Miss G - continuing to pray! Glad there are encouraging things and that God is renewing you in His strength. KellyReplyCancel

  • Amy Wedel - I believe the God is walking with you through these days. He will hold Cora up as well as you and Joel. Praying every day for all you need.ReplyCancel

  • Heather C - Praying steadfastly for you. We’re friends of Nate and Kim, and have been lifting you and baby Cora before the throne. We will not stop. God bless you for letting Jesus shine through you so brightly during this time of trial.

    ~The Clement FamilyReplyCancel

  • Abby - You have another prayer warrior down in Florida, I heard about your little girl through several different sources in the last couple of days and then found your blog today. My grandpa lives a couple of miles east of Elbing, when I saw the picture of the post office it made me smile. Send up prayers to the Great Physician,
    Abby in PensacolaReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - God bless you and your family during this battle… I will say a prayer for her every day!!! take care and God Bless…ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - saying a prayer for you and your family everyday….ReplyCancel

  • Michelle - I am so sorry for what you are going through. I will pray for your family.ReplyCancel

  • Rene' - Dearest McClenahans,

    I am so very sorry for your loss. Your story has touched the hearts of so many. We are strangers…however we have the same Father in Heaven. I just know he is rocking and craddling your sweet & precious baby girl! You are a testimony to many…a testimony of strength..a testimony of love. I admire you..as do so many others.
    Peace & Blessing
    Rene’ReplyCancel

  • Mental P Mama - God Bless you all.ReplyCancel