18th February 2014

We received the results from Victoria's MRI yesterday when we visited the oncologist yesterday. They were confirmed by the neurosurgeon today. The tumour is stable. It does not appear to have grown since the last MRI in October 2013. 

We are grateful and thank God for this result as it means Victoria can enjoy at least another three months of 'normal' life without being 'on treatment'. 

At dinner last night when we were discussing this result, our 10 year old son asked, 'Why is stable 'good'? Wouldn't it be better if the tumour had reduced in size or had disappeared?'  These are very good questions, to which we have no answer other than we have to trust God and know that He is sovereign in all situations.  Needless to say there was a little more one on one conversation at bed-time about this topic!

It is challenging for us to continually put our trust and hope in God, particularly after getting reports from doctors and hearing of their plans for future treatment. Yesterday we faltered. Today we are again strong in the Lord. We look forward to the day when we can be a living example of this scripture, when we will always have hope and we will proclaim His mighty acts ....

But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of yoru salvation all day long, though I know not its measure. I will come and proclaim your mightly acts, O Sovereign LORD; I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone. Psalm 71:14-16

Thank you to everyone who has been praying for us over the past two weeks. Your prayers have carried us through an anxious time.

Victoria's next scan is scheduled for May 6th. She is going to attempt to have the MRI without a general anesthetic which will hopefully work out well. If not, there is a back-up date booked for May 13th to do the MRI with a GA. 

Ken and I were blessed to spend 2 nights away last week in the Hawkesbury Valley. A break away made possible by extended family and loving friends. Thank you. We had such a beautiful time, just like a second honeymoon. We stayed at the Tizzana Winery bed and breakfast (no children allowed!).  Here are a few photos .....

The Rose Garden outside the room we stayed in

The view of the vineyards from the breakfast table.

Reflections in the Hawkesbury Valley

During a walk down Tizzana Road, I found the Serang Church, high on a hill.

The bell on the Serang Church.

Five minutes down the road from where we were staying was the Ebenezer church, the oldest church in Australia, built in 1809.

Thank you again for your prayers and support. It really means the world to us.

8th February 2014

Thank you to everyone who has been praying for us over the past week and sent messages of encouragement and support. Victoria went through the day with her normal grace and style. Here she is after 9 hours of fasting, waiting for the MRI , still full of smiles!

Whilst Victoria went through the day very well, I cannot say the same for me!  In fact there have been more than a few times in the past week when I have felt very fragile indeed! It isn't the fear of what the MRI will show as Victoria is looking so well. Rather I think it is more another wave for grief coming out, anytime, anywhere! Sunglasses have been handy!

Throughout this week God has been ever so gracious to me yet again. I am still reading the book 'Names of God' by Nathan Stone and just happen to be up to the chapter, Jehovah-shalom, which means God is peace. So for the past week I have read many scriptures proclaiming this truth. Here are some of them ...

Leviticus 26:3,6

If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments and do them ....  I will give peace in the land; you shall lie down and none shall fill you with dread or make you afraid; and I will clear ferocious (wild) beasts our of the land, and no sword shall go through your land.

Psalm 29:11

The Lord will give [unyielding and impenetrable] strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.

Isaiah 26:12

Lord, You will ordain peace (God's favour and blessings, both temporal and spiritual) for us, for You have also wrought in us and for us all our works.

Isaiah 26:3-4

You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace who mind [both it's inclination, and it's character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. So trust in the Lord (commit yourself to Him, lean on Him; hope confidently in Him) forever for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages].

Being reminded of this truth every day has helped me immensely this week. 

Despite this outpouring of emotion, there have been plenty of blessings this week too, including having my beautiful Mum visiting from New Zealand. Another pair of hands around the home makes a huge difference to our day. Secondly Victoria was able to complete the entire first day of school, unlike last year which involved a visit to the hospital after falling out of bed. I must add that she has never fallen out of bed since! Also, Victoria got a new splint this week, which actually fits into her existing shoes, so she doesn't have to go through the confronting process of wearing different size shoes on each foot.

Thank you again for your prayers and support. We will find out the results of the MRI on Monday 17th February. We are hoping confidently in God for a good outcome.

Finally today, for anyone who lives nearby, Harry's House is running an event called the Harry's Challenge 2014 on the 22nd and 23rd of March at Stockton. It will include a 5km family fun run/walk, stand up paddleboarding and a fitness circuit. 100% of the registration fees go directly to Harry's House. Please click on this link if you are interested in the event, Harry's Challenge 2014.