27th January 2014

Three years ago today we were storming heaven in the waiting room outside the operating theater at John Hunter Hospital, as Victoria underwent brain surgery.

Today we give God praise and glory that she is still here with us, dancing, singing and praising God from her heart herself. She is an incredible child, determined and undeterred by the challenges she has faced. We pray that she will continue to garner strength from God, for all that is placed in her path. We claim Psalm 16:5-11 over her life.

The Lord is my chosen and assigned portion, my cup;

You hold and maintain my lot.

The lines have fallen in pleasant places; yes I have a good heritage.

I will bless the Lord, Who has given me counsel; yes, my heart instructs me in the night seasons.

I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand. I shall not be moved.

Therefore my heart is glad and my glory [my inner self] rejoices; my body too shall rest and confidently dwell in safety.

For You will not abandon me to Sheol (the place of the dead), neither will You suffer Your holy one (Holy One) to see corruption.

You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forever more.

Last week was full of various appointments for Victoria, a fitting for a new splint, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, port flush and speech therapy. Throughout these appointments we were reminded again of the physical challenges Victoria is likely to face in her future. It was hard some days to see beyond those challenges. Hence I believe God showed me this Psalm late last week to remind me that those physical issues do not define who Victoria is, but rather it is He that defines who she is. It is God who has given her the strength and determination to do the stretching exercises each morning and night, even reminding me when i forget! It is God who has kept her spirit sweet despite the disappointment of not being able to do some things her siblings and friends can do. It is God who bought her through that operation three years ago today and has allowed us to continually be blessed by her presence. Indeed He holds and maintain's Victoria's lot. He will show Victoria the path of life.

Thank you Jesus.