The journey
A tornado is the only metaphor that can claim the title of our life of 2018. From hurdle after hurdle, emotion to emotion, day after day, week after week even month after month was a battle between the forces of the Holy Spirit and the enemy. You hear about it in the word of God (Bible) but this year we generally felt it. It often felt like we were surrounded by the whirl winds of what could only be described as a tornado. Through cancer and my husband tearing his achillies and calf muscle, to one of our daughters fracturing her ankle bone two days before my husband had his muscle incident to the daunting mountain of eviction with no evidence of a house to move into. For us to contain everything and stand tall humanly speaking was impossible. Yet through the grace of God and his love and power working in our lives we were able to stand strong as a family with a smile on our face and a spring in our step. Why?? That's the very question people often wondered and asked. But generally the only and most important answer is our faith in Jesus christ. His hand over us, his strength flowing like living waters through us, his perfect joy beaming in and through our very being got us from one place to another with a smile on our face, confidence and a spring in our step. Feeling like our situation wasn't a big deal. I often said to my husband I am confused to why people are so shocked, are we going through a lot. In the bigger picture we were. We were facing mountains that without God helping us conquer them, we would have spiralled into the pit of despair and depression. There were days our humanness looked away from our focus on who was giving us strength, and unraveled the who's the what's the When's and the whys of each situation. Panic would set in, fear would creep its way into our heart. But we would quickly snap out of it and remember the promises of God. We'd start praising God, praying and metaphorically eating the word of God. Straight away we'd get back into the peace and joy of God that was making us fearless and victorious over our giant of a year.

The next step
My radiation treatment started the week of the 10th September. I didn't know what to expect, what would happen to me. But I did know I wasn't alone, that God was with me every step of the way. By tea time Monday I was given the radia-iodine tablet and half an hour later I was measured of how much radiation I had inside both from the front and the back of me. The start of measurement was 40. Each day of my time in there they measured me both morning and night. The next morning (Tuesday) my radiation levels were down to 25, by the evening it had dropped down to 14. The consultant was curious and looked slightly confused. He said to me normally the radiation levels drop slowly, but mine were dropped a lot. Hallelujah, praise God. The following morning during my radiation measurements the readings said 7, by the evening she never told me what it read but in the morning the male consultant said I was reading 2. You see originally I was told I would be away from my children for anything from a week to 3 weeks. Now to any parent that is a long time away from your children. It doesn't matter how annoying at times they can be we miss them when they are away. I sure did. The first day away was nice but the rest of the time not so much, I missed them and my husband ever so much. Anyway God had other ideas. Because of the wonderful prayers going up to God for me and the caring love and adoration of God for me. He caused my radiation to drop quickly which lead the consultant to surprise me with the incredible news that I could go home to my family today's after which was the 15th September. 5 days after the treatment started. Not 1 week not 2 weeks not 3 weeks. But 5 short but quiet days after the beginning of a cancer treatment. Only the King of Kings and Lord of Lords can pull of such a blessing as this. I await till the 2nd October 2018 for my results of the blood tests and body scans but I have full faith that whatever happens his will, will happen like it is in heaven.

Last minute
Gods beautiful and perfect timing can in our way of thinking be last minute. Where a rush of emotions such as fear, anxiety, excitement and frustration come racing through our bodies like the buzz of adrenaline when we do something out of our comfort zone. I mentioned earlier about our eviction. Well I have wonderful news, our amazing creator has blessed us with a house five days before our eviction day. We can't move in straight away but that's besides the point once everything is up to their standards and we like the place we can move in. Praise God. I got to tell you it was nerve racking waiting for this moment but when God showed us those two rainbow's while we were having a conversation about the eviction, we knew he was not only making one promise but two. Double promise. And that double promise is what we held onto, we were filled with peace knowing that God wouldn't fail us now and he had everything in order. Its not always easy trusting especially when life seems out of control. Once upon a time we found it hard even though God in his faithfulness kept coming with his provisions and blessings. We asked God to help us learn to trust him and that is what he did. Are we perfect in this gift no; but we are a long way forward from where we used to be. When God sends you some where and the peace of God overflows from your heart, know that no matter what tornados, hurricanes, challenges come your way, victory in christ will prevail. The devil can only go so far, God goes all the way and is faithful till the end. Be blessed.

Proverbs 3:5-6 New International Version (NIV)

Let's pray.
Father life can be scarey at times, especially when so much is swirling around our minds.  It can feel like everything is out of control. It can be emotionally exhausting. Father help us to get to a place of complete trust in you. That no matter what gets thrown our way, you will never leave us nor forsake us. You have the grand master plan for our lives. Help us hold on to your word and the promises it contains. We thank you that we have the victory through Jesus christ your precious son. Fill the person reading this with your unfailing love, peace and mercy. Show them how valuable they are in your eyes. In jesus name amen.