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.