Oh what fun it is to be a child!! It was Daniel's 5th birthday and his Superman (Super-Dan) party today. As has become the tradition, we all congregated at Afton Grove to celebrate the latest important birthday in our lives. Precious Daniel is rather taken with Superman and Nikki did an unbelievable job with the party. The children feasted and then hunted for treasure using crypic codes from outer space and the main attraction - pièce de résistance - was the birthday cake, a chocolate dome covered with Smarties and Astros which Daniel had to smash open with a hammer in order to reveal the cake and "sweet treasures" inside. It was a great success and we all feel like we had a good dose of fun and sugar today!
I am constantly amazed and humbled by the strength that Nikki shows though this walk. Just this week, I have found a new appreciation for my sister. I managed to develop a pinched nerve while running last weekend and have been walking around with a nagging pain in my lower back and right leg for the last week. It is so debilitating and at times I find that I feel quite irritable just because I feel so drained by the ever-present pain. But whenever I feel my small pain, I am reminded of my beautiful sister who lives in a state of constant inflammation and severe pain and who walks so gracefully through it all. She just blows me away! It has served as a reminder to me to continually lift her up in prayer.
While out for lunch yesterday, I bumped into an artist friend and was so touched by her story. She (along with so many others) has been praying for Nikki, but said that in the past week, as she prayed, she felt led to listen to a song which she knows is special to Nikki and has helped carry her a long way on this journey. As she listened and prayed, she was so inspired that she began to paint - she painted and painted - and produced a number of beautiful works of art (I think she said 5) through the week as she was inspired.
I have included the lyrics of the song below:
"Voice Of Truth" - Casting Crowns
Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes to climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
To the realm of the unknown - where Jesus is
And He's holding out his hand
But the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again, "Boy, you'll never win! You'll never win"
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
And the voice of truth says "Do not be afraid!"
And the voice of truth says "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
Oh what I would do to have
The kind of strength it takes to stand before a giant
With just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors
Shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand
But the giant's calling out my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
Time and time again, "Boy, you'll never win! You'll never win"
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
And the voice of truth says "Do not be afraid!"
And the voice of truth says "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
But the stone was just the right size
To put the giant on the ground
And the waves they don't seem so high
From on top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
Singing over me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Chemo Day
Today was Nikki's 5th round of chemo and things seem to have gone well with the treatment. They used a larger needle and managed to find a vein easily this time. The chemo was all done by 2.30 pm! This was a record for her as she is usually the last person in the ward. So it was a relief to finish up a little earlier today. She is feeling strong and even managed to do some shopping with Daniel and Hilda this afternoon before heading home. Long may it last!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Chemo Countdown...
Lovely lazy Sunday again... We spent the afternoon with the family at Afton Grove. The children were so excited to spot the resident Goshawk on her nest in the Bluegum tree near the chicken run (keeping an eye on the prize at all times!) Pops put the telescope up so they could all get a really good look at the bird. They never tire of the fun to be had at Afton and managed to find a new Chameleon too. They have decided to decorate their treehouse for Christmas this year - that will keep them busy for the next while.
Nix has been really battling with sore joints over the last few days and looks quite tired. She has been battling to sleep at night too which is no good for the joints - so it's a vicious cycle sometimes. It has been a long and painful journey and even though she is still unbelievably strong, it can take it's toll on her every now and again. Anything is more challenging when you are sleep-deprived too. Please could we ask you to keep her in your prayers and ask God to bless her with sweet sleep and to restore her energy, especially for the coming week.
Proverbs 3:24
"If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet".
The week ahead is another busy one with her next Chemo treatment scheduled for this Wednesday, so please keep her in your prayers ahead of that. She will go for blood tests as usual on Tuesday to determine whether she will be able to go ahead with treatment on Wednesday so we are praying for another good report with the tests so that she can continue without any hiccups or delays.
Daniel's 5th birthday is planned for next Sunday, the 29th, and Nix will be doing a fair amount of party planning and preparation ahead of that (we will help her, but she loves to do it and is so good at it - she always puts her original and unconventional spin on things) so please pray that she will be strong and fit for the party and all that comes with it. We pray that she will be able to really enjoy it with her precious little boy.
Mark 11:24
"Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them."
This passage of scripture and accompanying study notes (below) have meant so much to me in the past week, and I would like to share them with all of you too:
2 Corinthians 4:7
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies."
Study Notes: But we - Not only the apostles, but all true believers. Have this treasure - Of divine light, love, glory. In earthen vessels - In frail, feeble, perishing bodies. He proceeds to show, that afflictions, yea, death itself, are so far from hindering the ministration of the Spirit, that they even further it, sharpen the ministers, and increase the fruit. That the excellence of the power, which works these in us, may undeniably appear to be of God.
Nix has been really battling with sore joints over the last few days and looks quite tired. She has been battling to sleep at night too which is no good for the joints - so it's a vicious cycle sometimes. It has been a long and painful journey and even though she is still unbelievably strong, it can take it's toll on her every now and again. Anything is more challenging when you are sleep-deprived too. Please could we ask you to keep her in your prayers and ask God to bless her with sweet sleep and to restore her energy, especially for the coming week.
Proverbs 3:24
"If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet".
The week ahead is another busy one with her next Chemo treatment scheduled for this Wednesday, so please keep her in your prayers ahead of that. She will go for blood tests as usual on Tuesday to determine whether she will be able to go ahead with treatment on Wednesday so we are praying for another good report with the tests so that she can continue without any hiccups or delays.
Daniel's 5th birthday is planned for next Sunday, the 29th, and Nix will be doing a fair amount of party planning and preparation ahead of that (we will help her, but she loves to do it and is so good at it - she always puts her original and unconventional spin on things) so please pray that she will be strong and fit for the party and all that comes with it. We pray that she will be able to really enjoy it with her precious little boy.
Mark 11:24
"Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them."
This passage of scripture and accompanying study notes (below) have meant so much to me in the past week, and I would like to share them with all of you too:
2 Corinthians 4:7
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies."
Study Notes: But we - Not only the apostles, but all true believers. Have this treasure - Of divine light, love, glory. In earthen vessels - In frail, feeble, perishing bodies. He proceeds to show, that afflictions, yea, death itself, are so far from hindering the ministration of the Spirit, that they even further it, sharpen the ministers, and increase the fruit. That the excellence of the power, which works these in us, may undeniably appear to be of God.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Good Times
We celebrated Adrian and Queenie's (our mom's nickname) birthdays with breakfast at the Twelve Apostles Hotel this morning - where we indulged on oysters and champagne to start, followed by almost everything under the sun and ending with jellytots and smarties! A good time was had by all and everyone was ready for a fat siesta after all that. This afternoon the grandies got together for present opening and tea at Afton with the Queen (that nickname again!) Here are some photos taken at breakfast. For those who dont know, in the bottom photo are (L-R) Chris, Eve, Sydney (others were at school), Nix, Adrian, Louise (aka Queenie), Hilda and Andy (Adrian's folks). Tuesday, November 17, 2009
2 Special Birthdays
Yikes! I CAN NOT believe it's been 10 days since my last post. Last week went by in a whirlwind - Pete was away and our little Megan took part in her very first concert, a ballet concert where she was a mouse in a Cat and Mouse dance (which lasted about 1 min 15 seconds in total) but to her, she was the world's most important ballerina mouse! She loved every minute but is paying the price now with exhaustion after all the late nights (the life of a starlet!)
Nix has had her ups and downs as always. She has had some very challenging days this last week,but continues to be strong in spirit and in wit. I spent this afternoon with her - wrapping and trying to hide awkwardly shaped presents for Mom and Adrian's birthdays - both tomorrow. (Can you believe it? Adrian's brother shares a birthday with our Dad too...strange...?)
In all of this, we are convinced that "nothing can seperate us from the love of God" (Rom 8:39) which we continue to feel tangibly every day.
Lamentations 3:22
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Nix has had her ups and downs as always. She has had some very challenging days this last week,but continues to be strong in spirit and in wit. I spent this afternoon with her - wrapping and trying to hide awkwardly shaped presents for Mom and Adrian's birthdays - both tomorrow. (Can you believe it? Adrian's brother shares a birthday with our Dad too...strange...?)
In all of this, we are convinced that "nothing can seperate us from the love of God" (Rom 8:39) which we continue to feel tangibly every day.
Lamentations 3:22
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Miracle in Progress
Here is a photo taken TODAY at the Mentoring Ladies lunch. We had to come dressed up as something beginning with an M. Great minds think alike! We hadn't consulted with each other beforehand but, of course, arrived wearing the same glasses (Yay for 3D movies!). I was supposed to be (stretch the imagination now...) the lady from Murder she wrote (okay, not much time to organise the outfit!). Nix came as a Miracle in Progress! She had the words written onto the glasses! (Thanks so much for the photo Joan x)Celebrating Life and Friendship
It's Saturday again, and it's bucketing down with rain! (I'm a poet!) Crazy weather!!
The latest news on Nix is that she was exhausted and spent most of yesterday in bed following her blood transfusion on Thursday. But it was a busy week with the tests on Tuesday, Chemo on Wednesday and a blood transfusion on Thursday and she wasn't able to rest as she usually does during the day this week so it could be a reason for the exhaustion.
The transfusion went well (it took ages - she was only home after 8 on Thursday evening). It must be a really strange feeling having someone else's blood flowing into your body. But she decided rather than being "freaked out" about it, she would make friends with it and "embrace" the situation and her new body fluids! So she decided that it must have come from a very special person and she was honoured to share this with them. And, in Nikki style, she took the opportunity to make a new friend, even though she has no idea who they are!
I saw her today and she is looking and feeling much better. She has a lovely pink colour in her face again since the transfusion and I must say she just gets prettier and prettier the further she walks down this road (note to self: put a recent pic on the blog!)
We have precious family friends, Lindsay and Mary Mitchell, living in Spain. We were so blessed by this poem which Mary was inspired to write for Nix. Enjoy...
Nikki's Battle - Mary Mitchell
You´re truly blessed, you know how much
For you're loved and treasured in that such
Your family and friends pray every day
And truly believe you're here to stay
Your sister Eve the best to be had
Writes her Blog news so Friends dont feel sad
It keeps us informed of all family news
So we can all pray that you'll not lose
This battle of yours is shared by all
The prayers that are said for you, are tall
They all are heard by God above
He knows how much you are loved
This illness can only make you strong
Trust in God as he's never wrong
Faith and love, it's there to share
With those of us, who are in God's care
Love and be loved it is the best
You ask why is it me, is it a test
God only knows, why and what for
In Him we trust and pray some more.
We have been truly overwhelmed by the love and friendship shown by so many people the world over. We have been carried by your prayers. We know and have felt God's love shown through all of you and continue to thank God for each one of you as we realise that these friendships are the most precious gifts in life.
Ecclesiastes 4:9:
"Two are better than one,
because they have a good reward for their labour.
If they fall down,
they can help each other up.
But pity those who fall
and have no one to help them up!
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm,
But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
The latest news on Nix is that she was exhausted and spent most of yesterday in bed following her blood transfusion on Thursday. But it was a busy week with the tests on Tuesday, Chemo on Wednesday and a blood transfusion on Thursday and she wasn't able to rest as she usually does during the day this week so it could be a reason for the exhaustion.
The transfusion went well (it took ages - she was only home after 8 on Thursday evening). It must be a really strange feeling having someone else's blood flowing into your body. But she decided rather than being "freaked out" about it, she would make friends with it and "embrace" the situation and her new body fluids! So she decided that it must have come from a very special person and she was honoured to share this with them. And, in Nikki style, she took the opportunity to make a new friend, even though she has no idea who they are!
I saw her today and she is looking and feeling much better. She has a lovely pink colour in her face again since the transfusion and I must say she just gets prettier and prettier the further she walks down this road (note to self: put a recent pic on the blog!)
We have precious family friends, Lindsay and Mary Mitchell, living in Spain. We were so blessed by this poem which Mary was inspired to write for Nix. Enjoy...
Nikki's Battle - Mary Mitchell
You´re truly blessed, you know how much
For you're loved and treasured in that such
Your family and friends pray every day
And truly believe you're here to stay
Your sister Eve the best to be had
Writes her Blog news so Friends dont feel sad
It keeps us informed of all family news
So we can all pray that you'll not lose
This battle of yours is shared by all
The prayers that are said for you, are tall
They all are heard by God above
He knows how much you are loved
This illness can only make you strong
Trust in God as he's never wrong
Faith and love, it's there to share
With those of us, who are in God's care
Love and be loved it is the best
You ask why is it me, is it a test
God only knows, why and what for
In Him we trust and pray some more.
We have been truly overwhelmed by the love and friendship shown by so many people the world over. We have been carried by your prayers. We know and have felt God's love shown through all of you and continue to thank God for each one of you as we realise that these friendships are the most precious gifts in life.
Ecclesiastes 4:9:
"Two are better than one,
because they have a good reward for their labour.
If they fall down,
they can help each other up.
But pity those who fall
and have no one to help them up!
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm,
But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Good News!
Nikki went in for her CT scan yesterday to determine the current status of the cancer areas in her body. She met with the Oncologist today to discuss the results and there is good news. It seems that all the areas of cancer in her body are shrinking!!! PRAISE GOD!!!
She marched in to her 4th session of Chemo in high spirits and feeling strong. It was a great opportunity for her to sit with her good friend Lori who is visiting from Australia and to catch up on all her news.
Tomorrow Nix will be going in for a blood transfusion. The doctor has recommended it in order to boost her red blood cells and to help with her anaemia. So she will spend most of the day in hospital tomorrow (I think she will be in the Day Unit if anyone is wanting to pop in).
This evening, my precious dad has written something for the blog. So here are his thoughts:
Nikki had her 4th round of Chemo today as well as a medical re-assessment by Oncology, and the results show that all the areas of cancer have reduced. Praise the Lord for a good report!
When Adrian and Nikki brought us the news of the Doctor's report of the cancer during August, I felt the spirit leap inside of me and I immediately recalled the word of the Lord "Who's report will you believe?"
Ever since I have made a conscious decision to believe the report of the Lord and I have based my prayer directive on this confession. "In spite of the fact that the medical report says they cannot cure Nikki, we choose to believe in our creator God who says: "For I WILL restore health to you and HEAL your wounds says the Lord” - Jeremiah 30:17
Truly I can say with the prophet Habbakuk: “The Lord is my strength… (my invincible army), He makes me to walk, (not to stand still in terror, but to walk) & make (spiritual) progress upon my high places… (of suffering, trouble and responsibility) - Habbakuk 3:19
God is taking us all through a whole new walk in Him. I have come to learn that in everything He needs to become the very centre of our lives & focus. It is not about our agenda but about His agenda. As Job said "Yea, yet He slay me, yet will I praise Him".
God is Sovereign, God is Awesome and God is to be trusted & relied upon in all circumstances. We thank God and continue to trust Him for a complete restoration of health for Nikki.
She marched in to her 4th session of Chemo in high spirits and feeling strong. It was a great opportunity for her to sit with her good friend Lori who is visiting from Australia and to catch up on all her news.
Tomorrow Nix will be going in for a blood transfusion. The doctor has recommended it in order to boost her red blood cells and to help with her anaemia. So she will spend most of the day in hospital tomorrow (I think she will be in the Day Unit if anyone is wanting to pop in).
This evening, my precious dad has written something for the blog. So here are his thoughts:
Nikki had her 4th round of Chemo today as well as a medical re-assessment by Oncology, and the results show that all the areas of cancer have reduced. Praise the Lord for a good report!
When Adrian and Nikki brought us the news of the Doctor's report of the cancer during August, I felt the spirit leap inside of me and I immediately recalled the word of the Lord "Who's report will you believe?"
Ever since I have made a conscious decision to believe the report of the Lord and I have based my prayer directive on this confession. "In spite of the fact that the medical report says they cannot cure Nikki, we choose to believe in our creator God who says: "For I WILL restore health to you and HEAL your wounds says the Lord” - Jeremiah 30:17
Truly I can say with the prophet Habbakuk: “The Lord is my strength… (my invincible army), He makes me to walk, (not to stand still in terror, but to walk) & make (spiritual) progress upon my high places… (of suffering, trouble and responsibility) - Habbakuk 3:19
God is taking us all through a whole new walk in Him. I have come to learn that in everything He needs to become the very centre of our lives & focus. It is not about our agenda but about His agenda. As Job said "Yea, yet He slay me, yet will I praise Him".
God is Sovereign, God is Awesome and God is to be trusted & relied upon in all circumstances. We thank God and continue to trust Him for a complete restoration of health for Nikki.
Monday, November 2, 2009
By His wounds we are healed
Nikki and Adrian returned yesterday evening from a lovely weekend away with the family. Just, as always, a bit too short!
Please join us in prayer as we go into this week. Pray that God's love and peace would continue to surround Nikki and her family as she goes for her tests on Tuesday. We continue to believe God that the doctors would be amazed as they study the results of the tests. We continue to thank God for what He has done for us, because is it "by His wounds we are healed" - Isaiah 53:5.
I received the following excerpt from a friend this week which has been a wonderful encouragement:
GARDEN OF FOUNTAINS
Behold, My hand is upon thee to bless thee and to accomplish My good purpose. For this hour I have prepared thy heart and in My kindness I will not let thee fail.
Only relinquish all things into My hands; for I can work freely only as ye release Me by complete committal – both of thyself and others. Even as was written of old: ‘Commit they way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass’. (Psa. 37:5) I will be thy sustaining strength; and My peace shall garrison thy mind. Only trust ME – that all I do is done in love.
For adversities must of necessity come. They are a part of the pattern of life’s pilgrimage for every individual; and who can escape them? But I say unto thee, that for those who walk in Me, for those who are encircled by the intercessory prayers of My children, I shall make of the suffering, yea, I shall make of the trials a steppingstone to future blessing. (2 Cor. 4:17, Living Letters)
My arms are around thee, and never have I loved thee more! I will make thee like A GARDEN OF FOUNTAINS whose streams are fed by the mountain springs.
And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones; and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. (Isa. 58.11)
Please join us in prayer as we go into this week. Pray that God's love and peace would continue to surround Nikki and her family as she goes for her tests on Tuesday. We continue to believe God that the doctors would be amazed as they study the results of the tests. We continue to thank God for what He has done for us, because is it "by His wounds we are healed" - Isaiah 53:5.
I received the following excerpt from a friend this week which has been a wonderful encouragement:
GARDEN OF FOUNTAINS
Behold, My hand is upon thee to bless thee and to accomplish My good purpose. For this hour I have prepared thy heart and in My kindness I will not let thee fail.
Only relinquish all things into My hands; for I can work freely only as ye release Me by complete committal – both of thyself and others. Even as was written of old: ‘Commit they way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass’. (Psa. 37:5) I will be thy sustaining strength; and My peace shall garrison thy mind. Only trust ME – that all I do is done in love.
For adversities must of necessity come. They are a part of the pattern of life’s pilgrimage for every individual; and who can escape them? But I say unto thee, that for those who walk in Me, for those who are encircled by the intercessory prayers of My children, I shall make of the suffering, yea, I shall make of the trials a steppingstone to future blessing. (2 Cor. 4:17, Living Letters)
My arms are around thee, and never have I loved thee more! I will make thee like A GARDEN OF FOUNTAINS whose streams are fed by the mountain springs.
And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones; and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. (Isa. 58.11)
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