My health has taken a significant turn for the worse. This past month, I've been at home bedridden for the majority of each day with worsened nausea, fluid retention with complications and general weakness restricting mobility. After having my abdomen and chest drained of 3L of fluid three weeks ago, my oncologist arranged for home care nurses to come morning and evening to give strong anti-nausea medication and IV hydration.
There was very little improvement despite these efforts, but in the brief moments of relief I'd try to get downstairs to visit friends outside of my bedroom, bask in the front porch sunshine with my favourite beet juice or get in the car for a quick drive to get out and see the world. We are very thankful for the care extended by our family and friends including leg and back massages to relieve fluid aches, delicious meals coming twice a week, flexible short visits that brought light and joy to our day, encouraging texts, Mom continuing to cover our household tasks while caring for the sick me daily, an uplifting prayer/worship hour in our home, Netflix company, on the spot prayers, and so many other kind, creative gestures that have truly blessed myself and Andy. We feel the love and are so grateful for it. Thank you, cherished loved ones.
To all those praying from near and far, we are so thankful for you. The body of Christ is powerfully beautiful, and we're continually amazed at how prayer can unite us across borders, ages and backgrounds. The sheer numbers is one thing, but knowing the names of those praying or audibly hearing your prayers has brought great encouragement. Your prayers humble, overwhelm, strengthen and uphold Andy and I daily. Thank you, faithful prayer warriors.
While there have been moments of relief and we feel loved, this past month has been very challenging physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. I hoped for signs of recovery and strengthening, but week after week couldn't point to any. The fluid returned with a vengeance only a week after the draining procedures. Vomiting decreased initially with the 24 hour coverage of IV medications, but this past week was on the rise again. It became hard to imagine an upswing in health as I definitely wasn't getting stronger to be fit for chemotherapy or even a Toronto trial if it became available. This brings me to the most recent, difficult news.
We've been at Juravinski Hospital since Thursday night when my nausea worsened due to new and intense abdominal side pain. After x-rays, an ultrasound and CT scan, it's been found that the cancer has spread much more since mid-September's scan. Cancer is now inside my lungs, whereas it had only been on the outside before. This could introduce fluid to the inside of my lungs, which would not be drainable. These tests also found an issue with my ureter (brings urine to the bladder), which seems to be quite constricted. If either of these issues progress, they will take my life. At this point, our oncologist thinks I have less than six months.
I've moved from active treatment of cancer (there aren't any good options left at this point, and even if there were, I'm too weak for chemo or trial eligibility) to now just managing symptoms of cancer (i.e. pain, nausea, breathing, fluid buildup). On Friday my abdomen and chest were drained again, with drains left in for continual monitoring and draining as needed for the next while. Because of this and the cancer progression, I've been admitted to Juravinski Hospital in Hamilton. Over the next week, our oncologist team will have more information gathered to determine whether I can go home or need to go to palliative care.
Since arriving at the hospital, the oxygen support has greatly improved my breathing (and talking), ongoing anti-nausea medications eventually stopped my vomiting and pain control measures have brought much relief. It is good to be in good care with nurses and oncologists gathering more information about my situation in order to determine the best plan moving forward. Please pray for God's hand of direction to permeate these discussions and decisions.
Andy continues to blow me away with his ongoing patience, gentle kindness, sacrificial care and steadfast commitment to loving me fully. He stayed with me in the ER the first night and has bunked in my private room the past two nights. In a busy, public hallway while we waited for my CT scan, he offered to massage my swollen, aching bare feet. He patiently adheres to all my silly, particular requests like room furniture rearranging and ice to water ratios. Pray for Andy's continued strength, perseverance and faith as he loves and cares for me here.
Jesus longs for us to experience this peace so we can be fully freed from the troubles of this world when He says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27. I want to hang onto this deep-rooted peace in the coming weeks and months ahead, so feel free to join me in meditating on this verse, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You.” Isaiah 26:3. Praise God for this miraculous gift of love and protection, a peace I do not deserve or understand but cherish.
As we move forward one day at a time, I am holding onto this promise of great hope while I peacefully rest and trust in the hammock of God's love...
There was very little improvement despite these efforts, but in the brief moments of relief I'd try to get downstairs to visit friends outside of my bedroom, bask in the front porch sunshine with my favourite beet juice or get in the car for a quick drive to get out and see the world. We are very thankful for the care extended by our family and friends including leg and back massages to relieve fluid aches, delicious meals coming twice a week, flexible short visits that brought light and joy to our day, encouraging texts, Mom continuing to cover our household tasks while caring for the sick me daily, an uplifting prayer/worship hour in our home, Netflix company, on the spot prayers, and so many other kind, creative gestures that have truly blessed myself and Andy. We feel the love and are so grateful for it. Thank you, cherished loved ones.
To all those praying from near and far, we are so thankful for you. The body of Christ is powerfully beautiful, and we're continually amazed at how prayer can unite us across borders, ages and backgrounds. The sheer numbers is one thing, but knowing the names of those praying or audibly hearing your prayers has brought great encouragement. Your prayers humble, overwhelm, strengthen and uphold Andy and I daily. Thank you, faithful prayer warriors.
While there have been moments of relief and we feel loved, this past month has been very challenging physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. I hoped for signs of recovery and strengthening, but week after week couldn't point to any. The fluid returned with a vengeance only a week after the draining procedures. Vomiting decreased initially with the 24 hour coverage of IV medications, but this past week was on the rise again. It became hard to imagine an upswing in health as I definitely wasn't getting stronger to be fit for chemotherapy or even a Toronto trial if it became available. This brings me to the most recent, difficult news.
We've been at Juravinski Hospital since Thursday night when my nausea worsened due to new and intense abdominal side pain. After x-rays, an ultrasound and CT scan, it's been found that the cancer has spread much more since mid-September's scan. Cancer is now inside my lungs, whereas it had only been on the outside before. This could introduce fluid to the inside of my lungs, which would not be drainable. These tests also found an issue with my ureter (brings urine to the bladder), which seems to be quite constricted. If either of these issues progress, they will take my life. At this point, our oncologist thinks I have less than six months.
I've moved from active treatment of cancer (there aren't any good options left at this point, and even if there were, I'm too weak for chemo or trial eligibility) to now just managing symptoms of cancer (i.e. pain, nausea, breathing, fluid buildup). On Friday my abdomen and chest were drained again, with drains left in for continual monitoring and draining as needed for the next while. Because of this and the cancer progression, I've been admitted to Juravinski Hospital in Hamilton. Over the next week, our oncologist team will have more information gathered to determine whether I can go home or need to go to palliative care.
Since arriving at the hospital, the oxygen support has greatly improved my breathing (and talking), ongoing anti-nausea medications eventually stopped my vomiting and pain control measures have brought much relief. It is good to be in good care with nurses and oncologists gathering more information about my situation in order to determine the best plan moving forward. Please pray for God's hand of direction to permeate these discussions and decisions.
Andy continues to blow me away with his ongoing patience, gentle kindness, sacrificial care and steadfast commitment to loving me fully. He stayed with me in the ER the first night and has bunked in my private room the past two nights. In a busy, public hallway while we waited for my CT scan, he offered to massage my swollen, aching bare feet. He patiently adheres to all my silly, particular requests like room furniture rearranging and ice to water ratios. Pray for Andy's continued strength, perseverance and faith as he loves and cares for me here.
We are broken by this news of decline coming... and with an estimated timeline much sooner than we expected or hoped for. I think I am still in shock, but what I do have with absolute certainty is unexplainable peace. It's the kind of peace I've come across this past year in the most unexpected, seemingly least fitting times. It doesn't make sense. And yet, I'm surrounded and filled with this peace. It's truly the "peace of God, which surpasses all understanding" which promises to "guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7.
As we move forward one day at a time, I am holding onto this promise of great hope while I peacefully rest and trust in the hammock of God's love...
“I have told you these things,
so that in Me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
- Jesus (John 16:33)
Precious Julia and Andy, we send continued love from St. Joe's Island. Today many prayers will go up again on your behalf. God will hear them and He will do what is best and what is right because you and Andy are so precious to Him but also because that is His character in a world that is so marred. Blessings on you as you experience the peace that passes understanding.....
ReplyDeleteLovingly and prayerfully, Heather and Brian Whitley
Julia, your faith is truly one that inspires. Your words of hope, and joy, rooting yourself in Christ. You are wise, and Gods love through you and for you is so abundant. The story he has written into your life is difficult, but Ge is ultimately glorified. You will continue to be in our prayers along with your family. May you feel comforted knowing that Gods work through you is boundless! Love and prayers from Sarnia <3
ReplyDeleteLove and prayers from Korea. A group of us are praying for you here. We are asking for peace and comfort and for your faith to be increasingly strengthened. I'd like to share Psalm 139:16 with you. God knows all the days of your life and what each one will entail. This verse brought me great comfort when we received devastating news about our daughter. He knows.
ReplyDeleteWith love from Jinny (Seth and Micaela's sister/sister-in-law).
Dear Julia and Andy, I have followed your journey, prayed with you and for you, and am confused by the turn of events. But I believe that God has you in the palm of His hand, through Andy. And I want you to know that your journey had reached people you don't even know. That your faith has inspired hearts you will never see. And that, because of your courage and steadfastness, and also your moments of human weakness, you have shone His light into corners that might otherwise have remained dark. Thank you for this. My prayers continue for comfort, peace, and healing. In love, Jeanne Pengelly
ReplyDeleteI will continue to pray for you both. For God's amazing peace, for his miracle of healing, and that many will know Him through your testimony. You are an amazing lady.
ReplyDeleteJulia and Andy, in following your journey, praying for that peace that passes all understanding to envelope you. Julia for rest and comfort. Andy for peace, for restful, restorative, sleep, for a daily renewal of strength, for a continuing peace that knowledge that God is in control. May your serving your beautiful Julia, continue to give you the strength to carry on daily. May the caregivers be amazed and ask questions, may your friends and family also be strengthened, all for His glory. Sandy Hawes
ReplyDeleteMay you feel lifted in God's palms as you are embraced with so much love, both heavenly and earthly. I pray that you see the miracles in the ordinary, and find delight in laughter, music, the stars at night, and the light of the sun. I pray for peace for all who love and pray for you, that all may surrender fight for lightness.
ReplyDelete"And I will raise you up on eagles' wings
Bear you on the breath of dawn
Make you to shine like the sun
And hold you in the palm of my hand"
Blessings,
Brenda Dolha
Julia, I am sitting here in Botwood, Newfoundland reading your post and I am having so many feelings and emotions. I have been following your journey through your blog for quite awhile. I lived in Hamilton Ontario for 31 years and it is through friends sharing that I started following you. That aside.....I want to say thank you for sharing your journey. Thank you for your honesty in the midst of all that you are going through. You give us hope....hope that there is peace in the midst of all situations if we let "HIM" wrap us in that peace. Hope that no matter what "HE" may walk us through that indeed "HE" is walking the journey right alongside us. That we do not have to live in the fear of the unknown or all the what ifs. Because what is unknown to us isn't unknown to our Lord. Reading your last post I want to ask why????? Why have you had to go through so much?? But it is the world we live in isn't it???? So much sickness, misery and hurt at every turn. We weren't made for this!!! We were created to dwell in the garden with our Father. BUT....sin!!! BUT GOD!!!!!!!! You have so encouraged me to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living!!!! Cause no matter what you live on...whether here or with our Heavenly Father!!!! So my biggest emotion in all this is amazement. Amazement of your strength, your faith, your perseverance, and your peace in the midst of all this stuff. And because I see all that in you I am then amazed by our Lord. I am led to believe even more in the God that calms the winds and the storms in our lives. I don't know you Julia but I know our God and I am and have been praying for you. I pray for strength and healing and peace and rest and everything that God has for you. Maybe we will meet someday here on earth cause we do serve an AMAZING GOD or maybe we will meet in heaven someday. But anyway we are sisters in the Lord and I am so proud of the example of Christ you are to so many.
ReplyDeleteDianne Langdon
PS. sorry I rambled.
Julia,
ReplyDeleteThough I do not know you, I would like to let you know that I will be praying for you and your husband during this challenging time. I am encouraged and comforted by your words about peace. He truly is the only one who gives us peace in any situation and it amazes me and I can't understand it, but I am thankful. I cannot imagine what you could be facing, but I have faith that our Lord will give you everything that you need and will continue to encourage you every day.
Your sister in Christ,
Kaitlyn <3
Dear Julia reading your blog,it brings back many memories of our 2 daughters,who passed away 10 months of each other 2013 and 2014,from cancer,the peace they had and their love and trust in their Lord and Saviour,wich still gives our family comfort and strength to take one day at a time,and be thankful they both loved the Lord and live with Him.
ReplyDeletePeace be with you both (❤️from Ottawa)
ReplyDeleteMy heart breaks and I am at loss for words, your courage has been an amazing inspiration. I will continue to pray for you and Andy for the miraculous. And that the peace from God you are experiencing will be with you always.
ReplyDeleteMina
May that beautiful gift of God's peace and the assurance of His presence for you, Andy, your families and friends continue to uphold you each step of this journey. Your words, your faith, your ability to express both the deep heartache and deep joy of the moment has been such an inspiration to your readers, Julia. He shines so richly through your sharing. Your prayer community aches to read a post like this, but is also buoyed by the abundant grace that God provides even in the most difficult of circumstances. I pray for God's abiding presence as you live with intention and purpose in His timing - and remind us to do the same in our own lives. In Christ, Jacquie DeRaaf
ReplyDeleteDear sweet Julia, I heard about you through our daughter Beckei, what a tremendous testimony you live out, in this dark world you are a very bright light, your words, your example and your love for Jesus bring great glory to your Heavenly Father. Praying for you sweet girl that you will continue to know God's overwhelming peace and comfort and yes even joy in the midst of all that you are going through, and of course we continue to seek God on your behalf for healing, resting in the knowing that He shelters you under His wings. And now may the Lord bless you and keep, may He make His face to shine upon you and Andy and give you peace and hope for this day, amen.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your ministry to us through your blog...what an inspiration and encouragement you are, Julia! I am Michael Kleinhuis' oldest sister, living in Timmins.... Your message is far-reaching. I am praying for you and Andy and your family. God bless you, and all the medical staff who, I'm certain, will be touched by your journey. Love and prayers. xxxxx
ReplyDeleteI just read this and prayed for you all again and was doing something else when the Lord seemed to say look in your Bible for a poem..only found 1 ! It's called "Stay Now Thine Hand"...seemed very appropriate..feel the Lord wants me to share this with you.
ReplyDeleteDear child of God, by sorrow crushed,
May this your comfort be;
The Lord is ruling over all,-
He loves and cares for thee.
Though Satan seek to buffet sore,
He bows at God's command;
He cannot touch nor harm thee when
God says, "Stay now thine hand."
The One who shed His precious blood
To set the sinner free;
With that same matchless love untold
Is watching over thee.
The Lord who stretched the heaven forth
The earth's foundation laid,-
With that same power He guards His child
And says "Be not afraid."
For "God is faithful"- blessed Word!
Temptation, fear , or snare,
He never will allow one test
Above that ye can bear.
The trail and testing He allows,
By love and wisdom planned,-
When His own purpose is fulfilled
He speaks "Stay now thine hand."
The pathway may seem rough and steep,
You'll feel His presence near,
You'll hear the precious Shepherd's voice,
"Tis I, child, never fear."
Then trust His love,-keep looking up,
On Jesus fix thy gaze;
The way He leads will give thee cause
For everlasting praise.
In glory we will give Him praise
For all they way He led;
Then we will understand His ways,
But here, we trust instead.
by Lois Beckwith
Your peace is a wonderful testimony of God's indescribable presence! Thank you for sharing! My heart unites with yours as I pray for continued peace for you and Andy. Our God truly is supreme.
ReplyDeleteHaving read your message i am touched and amazed by your faith in our Lord and Savior and I also know that He will be watching over you. The obvious question comes to mind is "why" anyone has to go through this horrible decease and I know deep inside that only God can answer this question but as mere mortal humans we could never fully understand it but take in comfort that our Savior knows what He is doing. I prayer that God will continue to watch over you and to give you peace of mind through this ordeal.
ReplyDeleteBlessings.
What a beautiful, unshakable love and faith in Jesus. Praying for you both!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful, unshakable love and faith in Jesus. Praying for you both!
ReplyDeleteThis is heart breaking to hear - we are continuing in prayer for both you and Andy.
ReplyDelete1 Peter 2:24 Who his own self bore our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live to righteousness: by whose stripes you were healed.
With love Reubin and Dorothy
Oh Julia...such harsh news...the tears flow as I read your blog and your update...Your unbelievable courage and stamina just staggers me continually. You have the most delightful, loving and thankful spirit that I think I have ever witnessed.
ReplyDeleteI will continue to pray for you dear one, and for your beloved Andy, and all of your precious family. My heart just aches and aches....Please Dear Jesus gather Juilia up into your wings, and let her rest in you feeling protected and unbelievably loved. Hold her in your ever protective care, and please sustain her peace...
Julia...you are truly are a generous, unique, and amazingly beautiful daughter of the Most High...xo
With so much love, Jill...
Oh Julia, my heart aches for you guys as I read this. My faith is completely challenged with the peace of Christ you have in these circumstances. This is my prayer for you:
ReplyDeleteLord thank you so much for Julia, for Andy, for the incredible community you have wrapped around them. Thank you for your glory that is spreading around the world through their story. Lord, I pray for your miraculous healing over Julia, for a deep peace to continue to grow in their hearts, for your glory to be spread even deeper, wider and and further through their story. You are so good Lord, thank you so much for your spirit's work in Julia and Andy that they truly get this. In Jesus Holy and Awesome name, amen.
This is one of my favourite verse, "set your eyes on things above, not on earthly things, for you have died, and your life is now hidden in Christ with God."Colossians 3:2. Thank you so much for living this verse out in your life and encouraging us all so deeply. We will continue to pray.
Hello Julia,
ReplyDeleteI'm a friend of someone who obviously knows you, and cards about you. I saw this posted on her page and something made me click on it. I read this entry written by you and I am so touched by it. I am in no way a religious person... Admittedly I often wonder why people who have been dealt pretty rough hands in life still find positivity in a world filled with so much negative... people who have faith in something much greater than ourselves... I honestly don't know how people like yourself can still smile through all the pain... but you are truly an inspiration to many. I will think of you, in the upcoming months, and while I do not choose a life of prayer, I will still wish for peace for you and your loved ones. We don't know each other, but I will still be thinking of you often. All my best to you.
Amazing!
DeleteDear Julia, I feel I know you though we have not met in person. I have read your blog, and watched your TV interview with deep interest. Your beauty, grace, faith and assured hope has been an inspiration to so many. I have, and will continue, to pray for you Julia and for your husband. I shall pray for immeasurable peace to enfold you. I shall pray for your heart and mind to be enlightened with certainty and hope, beyond all pain, to the promise of God's Presence that awaits you in Christ. And I shall pray that God would be your All in All. All you need for this day, this moment, this hour of pain and suffering. Your peace, your strength, your courage, your hope, everything. That Christ would be your everything. And I shall pray for your family-your husband and siblings and parents-that they would be filled with peace and assurance as their own grief approaches. Assurance beyond any doubt of your life held in God's secure arms of Love. Sarah Hendriks-alumni of McMaster's IVCF-now living in Seattle.
ReplyDeleteYou and your family are in my prayers. I have no words. You are loved, you are loved, you are loved.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your journey at this time. We are friends with Vanessa's Wappel and has asked that we pray for you. I can't imagine the strength it takes to go through what you are going through but you are inspiring to my husband and I.
ReplyDeleteTrusting that God continues to give you peace and strengthen you and your husband as you journey through this challenging time in your life.
You are both loved and in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear of your challenge Julia..your blog was posted through someone I know at my church. I have been in the health product industry for 20 yrs and I was introduced to a new health science technology and a related product recently which I believe is part of my calling now. The product is having a phenomenal effect on people to enhance healing...I have thoroughly researched and educated myself on cellular health. I am sharing this health to people in my church and others. I would like to speak to you on how this could help you and relatd testimonies. Blessings,
ReplyDeleteRussell
Praying that during this valley, Jesus would lift the veil and let you see a bit of heaven. May His love sustain you and keep you.
ReplyDeleteAt times like this one does not know exactly what to say to someone who is at once familiar and yet, a stranger. Thankfully, our Father in Heaven knows exactly who you are, faithfully holding you tight. He grants you peace for a reason, and that is as a testimony to those who don't know Him.
ReplyDeleteMy prayers are for your family. That God would continue to minister to their hearts and minds during this time. And also for you. That you would continue in faith and perseverance. Miracles occur when we least expect them and we will always pray that a healing would be God's will.
I may not meet you here on terra firm, but I will gladly hug you when we all are with our Lord, Jesus Christ, in heaven.
Thank you Julia. Your deep faith and faithfulness and your honesty throughout this journey has been both a challenge and a encouragement to us both. We're just so sorry for all that you are having to endure. So very, very sorry. We cry with you, and continue to pray for you -- as well as for your mom and dad, for your brother and sister and of course, for Andy. May God's abiding peace, limitless grace and boundless love encircle you all. Thank you Julia. May God continue to bless you and make His face to shine on you.
ReplyDelete"...That I may know Him in the fellowship of his suffering and the power of the resurrection." May the Father hold your tight and may you continue to experience the peace that passeth all understanding. God bless you, dear one.
ReplyDeleteThank you for blessing me through your testimony of
ReplyDeleteGods' faithfulness. Praying for His blessing on you both and
That you may have relief of pain and nausea
Julia, I am in awe of your strong faith in God. You have been an inspiration to me and to others, you are a remarkable young woman. You and your amazing husband and loving family are in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteJulia we pray for you and your family every Sunday and you are on our daily prayer list. I read your blog through my friends Marion-Ruth and Dan as I live in Vancouver. I am in awe of your grace and peaceful acceptance. I pray that God will hold you up and give you and your family the strength and courage to face the next few months. Where there is life there is hope. God Bless.
ReplyDeleteJulia, I'm so sorry to hear of this bad news, the increased testing...I ask the Father in Jesus name for Jesus to come now, so loved ones can stay together forever and not leave this world at different times, and for complete immediate healing for Julia and to help her 100% trust you and rely on you God, and for Andy to 100% trust you and rely on you God. Please end this nightmare, now in Jesus name. Father thank you so much for saving Julia and giving your extremely powerful Holy Spirit so she feelings the most special blessings even in the most trying times...please help them now, I ask in Jesus name.
ReplyDeleteJulia, I'm in pains as i hear your story! Allow me however to ask you to reached out to Phophet TB Joshua (SCOAN) or Prophet Magaya to pray for you. Take at least one day of your busy bed-ridden sickness and watch and hear the multitude testimonies of people that have been healed after being prayed for by these anointed men of God. Let everyone reading these comments be a witness that i have given you sound advice. Your problem is not too difficult for God to handle. But you need a certain measure of faith to receive healing. What is it to you to travel to the synagogue of all nations to meet a man of God like TB Joshua? Certainly, i am sure you can afford a plane ticket. Have faith get up from your bed and get your healing.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteYour blog was forwarded to me by a cousin, Stephanie Pasher. Your faith is so moving, and your husband's love so encompassing that you are both a wonderful example that our faith is not in vain. Thank you for sharing your journey even in this difficult time. Love and prayers for you and your loved ones, and may God's amazing peace continue to enfold you.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteDear Julia and Andy, our hearts are breaking with yours as we read this update. There are no words that can adequately describe the pain (both physically and emotionally) that you are enduring right now.
ReplyDeletePlease know that we are praying for you and that we will be continuing to pray for miraculous, full healing. We are praying that the God of all comfort would be so near, present, and tangible to you both in these days. We are praying that God would continue to use your testimony to impact the lives of others for His Kingdom and that your story would be used in powerful ways. We are praying that Jesus would continue to guard your marriage and that you would have much grace for each other and for yourselves. We are praying that you will continue to have this peace that doesn't make sense in your waking and in your sleeping. We are praying that our Good Father would continue to meet all of your needs on a daily basis and that you would receive the very best care.
These verses come to mind when I think of you and your brave and beautiful story: 16 So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. 17 These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. 18 There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever. (2 Corinthians 4:17-18, The Message). Sending all our love to you both.
Craig and Heather (and Charlie) Simmonds
Lifting you and Andy up in prayer, Julia. Prayers for strength and peace in this difficult time. Prayers that you will be comforted, knowing that being in the arms of Jesus is the very place we as Christ followers, long to be... and best of all, one day, we'll all be together again! This life is but a vapour. Much love to you dear Julia.
ReplyDeleteWe are with you in spirit. We have prayed with you from around the world this summer. We prayed for you on the beach in Greece, lit a candle for you at a church on the Sea of Galilee where Jesus ate breakfast with his disciples (read john 20), had coffee while praying for you in Rome, and now weep with you in Indiana. You are loved and missed. Thank you for sharing your life and journey with us so openly. I wish I could netflix binge with you and I hope you enjoy some restful laughter with loved ones during the holidays.
ReplyDeleteJulia and Andy, your perseverance, strength and love inspires me! It pains me to hear this news. Just know that your faith is a light to this world.
ReplyDeleteI dream of days like those at your family's cottage. The mornings that perfectly describe the love of God with the warmth of vibrant colours that show the embrace. The soothing waters that call our names with each wave that passes. It's those subtle things that make this life so beautiful. Your words remind me of that same love and vivid imagery, and I can't thank you enough for that... I'll continue to pray for strength and love to be so abundant in your lives. May peace always find you two...
With love,
Nathan
Dear Julia,
ReplyDeleteI have been following your blog for a few months now, and while I do not know you personally, I have been (and continue to be) so deeply moved by your story. This update has been in my mind since I read it--know that I am keeping you and your entire family in my thoughts and prayers.
Sending much, much love your way.
Dear Julia & Andy,
ReplyDeleteGeorge Berry sent us an email some time ago asking us to please pray for you. We have been praying daily and reading each one of your blog entries for updates now that Mr. Berry went Home to be with the Lord. We live in Illinois, but visit family & friends in Canada once or twice a year. We used to live in Burlington and attended Hopedale Bible Chapel. We are saddened by this latest news and pray that God will ease/take away the nausea, vomiting, pain, and other difficulties. His wonderful peace truly is a lovely gift. He loves you with an everlasting love as written in Jeremiah 31:3. May each one of you feel His loving arms wrapped around you! We promise to continue to pray daily and often. We look forward to meeting you one day. With much love in Christ, Warren & Pam
Hi�� Just saw your u tube story and I am sending it to my close family. May you continue to feel close to God������
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete(I hope this isn't duplicated) Marilyn (Todd) and her sister ..me Diane (Rawn) will certainly hold you up in prayer using Isaiah 26:3 that you and Andy and family have continued peace. You have inspired many with your complete trust and love for Christ... Marilyn & Diane
ReplyDeleteYou are beautiful. Thank you for being so real and vulnerable. I am so sorry to hear about this news and the painful struggles you, your husband and family are going through... and yet your trust in the Lord and His love and care for you is sooo encouraging and inspiring. Your life is such a testimony of His greatness, even in the midst of grief and trial. I'm very challenged by your deep rooted faith in Jesus Christ. God has gifted you in sharing the way you do...this blog is absolutely beautiful. I've wrestled with some doubts and big questions lately - and the truth that you've shared in your writing has been instrumental in helping to reassure me. The joy, peace and love that you're experiencing is evidently from our Creator, Saviour, the wonderful Counsellor, the Mighty God. Thanks for sharing that verse in Isaiah - it has meant a lot to me in the past and now I want to pray that for you, that your thoughts will be fixed on Him and He will keep you in His perfect peace. <3 Thanks for glorifying Him with your journey. Much love.
ReplyDeleteHi Julia, it's Chris. Your old associate teacher from the Alexander's days when we were teaching grade 5 together in that stuffy little portable. Remember? "Eyes on me, take a knee!"
ReplyDeleteI'm saddened to hear you're not doing well.
Thinking of you!!
Chris
Hi Julia,
ReplyDeleteI only just heard about your blog. I believe these videos will greatly bless and encourage you in your fight. I pray you have the strength to watch them. They are some of the most powerful teaching on healing (skip the praise and worship if needed) from God's word I have ever heard. I continue to speak to your mountain and believe for you and with you - do not give up on your King no matter what it looks like!
http://www.charisbiblecollege.org/news/2016/10/20/691-healing-school-with-audrey-mack-oct-20# (she was healed from bone cancer)
http://www.charisbiblecollege.org/news/2016/8/18/649-healing-school-with-mike-hoesch
(he was healed from malignant melanoma - testimony here http://www.awmi.net/video/healing/hoesch/)
http://www.charisbiblecollege.org/news/2016/6/9/601-healing-school-with-greg-mohr
(he was healed of throat cancer - this is a power teaching on our authority in Christ over sickness!)
other healing testimonies:
http://www.awmi.net/series/healing/
Julia, you are as graceful and charismatic as always in the way that you beautifully capture the world around you. I cannot express the amount of admiration I have for you for embodying such a positive mindset throughout your journey battling cancer. You have always been a true inspiration to anyone who has the pleasure of connecting with you, and now you reach so many more and on a truly deep level. I am sending you and Andy all the love in the world as you continue to stay strong. Most Sincerely, Holly
ReplyDeleteDear Julia, I watched your testimony on 100 Huntley and have been privileged to read your blog as well. You are a light in this world. Your love for Jesus and the peace that you have in him is so very evident. I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and was very strengthened by the words of Psalm 46: 1, 2a "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way..." Julia and Andy, our family is lifting you up in prayer. May God continue to give you both peace and strength. Thank-you for sharing your lives in such a raw way. Love, BrigetteVH
ReplyDeleteJulia,
ReplyDeleteI came across your blog when a mutual friend of ours shared it on Facebook. Like many others, I read this latest update through tears. I don't know you personally, but the vulnerability with which you write has made me feel as though I do.
Weeks before my 20th birthday in 2007, I lost my best friend to melanoma. To the world, she fought this battle with a smile on her face. I had wished that I had journeyed with her more closely through this experience for years afterward.
I have since learned that others can only walk alongside our journey as closely as we allow them. You are incredibly brave for choosing to do so not only with your friends, but with strangers like me. Thank you for allowing us in - for sharing truth, for sharing the good news, and the bad news, the prayer requests, and the praise reports.
Philippians 4:13 is often credited as an encouraging verse. For me, the encouragement is found in the verses that precede it. "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."
You, Julia, epitomize these verses. That is not to say that days of discouragement are no more or that you never shed a tear or shout in anger, but the posture of your heart is palpable in your writing. You have surrendered your life to Him in a way that only this experience could have allowed.
I admire the work He is so evidently doing in your life, and in your heart. I echo the voices of so many others when I tell you that your journey serves as an encouragement, an inspiration, and a profound testimony of our Father's love.
Thank you for choosing to walk in step with Him and for allowing us to walk beside you.
- Your friend in Christ!
Dear Julia,
ReplyDeleteAlthough I don't know you and I live across the ocean, your faith has touched me. Your love for our Saviour and your trust in Him, regardless of your circumstances, are such a testimony to a life than has been transformed by Jesus, not just for now but for eternity. What glory you are and will continue to bring to Jesus Christ!
I may not meet you this side of Heaven, but one day soon and very soon, we who are in Christ shall be together forever in His presence, and what a day that will be! Philippians 1:21. I'm praying for you, your husband and your family.
Much love in Christ xxx