No Further

Today has been a good day.

But, so was April 6 of 2015. It was good because Jesus is good. It was good because He was adjusting my hearing so I could better hear His Voice. 

One year ago I had no idea. I didn't know the extent of cancer, of surgery, of chemo, of loss. I didn't know the extent of doubt, of fear, of shame, of agony.

Nor did I know the extent of HIM.

I knew Him as my Savior and Friend. I knew Him as my gracious and sovereign Father. I knew He died for me, and rose again.
What I have seen, heard, felt, and experienced this past year is the greatest gift outside of salvation that I have ever received. 

To know the extent of Jesus.

To know His enduring faithful love, His kindness and compassion. To know His strength and truth. What the Enemy intended for harm, my Jesus intended for good.

I can't begin to know the extent of Jesus. But what I have seen and know in my heart has overwhelmed me with assurance.

He is who He says He is.

On this day one year ago I was diagnosed with cancer. If I could shout out every name of every person that battled in prayer with us, I would. If I could list all the gifts, sacrifices, hours of time, rides, meals, notes, I would. However I simply cannot begin to count them all, it's been more than we ever deserved. Jesus knows, and I am asking Him today to bless those who graciously upheld us. We are forever grateful. Many people represented Jesus to us, but today I am especially grateful for my family, and their relentless commitment to upholding us with their sacrificial love. And Jason Currie...there are no words. When I see you I see the face of the Shepherd. Thank you for leading me through this. 

And finally, on this day one year ago, our good Father set the boundaries of the cancer, as He did the boundary of the sea. 

No further.

Proverbs 8:29
"When He set for the sea its limit, so that the waters might not transgress His command, when He marked out the foundations of the earth."

July

Hi Everyone - the posts have been slow recently, but so has the treatment.  Christy continues to battle chemo day after day, and honestly, its really hard.  She's amazing, though, and fighting so hard.  She has a long road to still go, so please pray for strength and endurance.  I am so proud of her and how she continues persevere.

June 5, 2015

Hey everyone - it's Christy this time. I am giving Karen a little break from the updating and thought I'd share a little of what's been happening this week. First of all - chemo #1 is in the books! The first round was a little rough, Jason ended up taking me into the ER later that night because the nausea was so severe. The following days, the doctors tried  different regiments and now I am feeling much better. The best part about this week has been that Karen and her daughter Jordan are here visiting...finally! It just feels right to be together for the first time since this whole cancer thing came about. She's been everything I could ever want in a sister and her support and love has been over-abundant. I was also able to catch up with a good college friend over the weekend from Denver (Sara :) Thank you all for praying, wow there is no way I could have gotten through this week without the faithfulness of the Father and His army of prayer warriors. I would be lying if I said I wasn't scared about  the next 5 months, but each day I cling to the words of the Psalms and the steadfast loving arms of Jesus. I can honestly say my security in Christ is stronger than the daunting fear that tempt me daily. Only because of Him. One day at a time. A sincere thank you again for all the ways your are carrying our family through this time.

Christy

May 28th, 2015

Today is a great day in the Currie household - its the first day of summer vacation for their kids!  It is also great news because Christy got some very encouraging news yesterday.  To give some back story, Christy found out a year ago that she had a tumor on her thyroid.  Through extensive tests and evaluations, it was revealed that she was on the verge of thyroid cancer.  She and Jason decided not to take any action, but to watch it and treat it as things arose.  Well, yesterday she got confirmation that she does not have thyroid cancer in addition to the breast cancer, and that actually, the tumor has shrunk!  This is incredible news - Christy is taking high doses of nutritional supplements and there is a good possibility that they have already started making a big impact on her body.  It is still important that she go through chemotherapy, though, as she doesn't want to take any risks.  She's a young mother, and they have decided to do all things possible to eliminate the cancer entirely.

Last weekend the Curries moved into their "summer home" -  a temporary living situation while they wait for their new house to be completed sometime in August.  They actually closed on their new property yesterday, which is very exciting!  Jason's sister and two sisters'-in-law came out to Omaha to help them with their move.  Thank you to them and to everyone else who pitched in!

Christy begins chemo on June 2nd, and we will see how things go from there.  I will keep you updated on how things are progressing and how she's feeling.

As of now, there are a few ways that you can help,

First of all, a meal schedule has been set up to help provide three meals a week for the Currie family.  Here is a link to that:
http://www.takethemameal.com/meals.php?t=UBTK4283
*Please note that all food must be strictly gluten free.

Secondly, an account has been set up at Pinnacle Bank for the Curries, with all donated funds going to help cover the medical costs.  You an go into any branch and make a donation.  This is the account number: #2206112528

Thank you so much for the help already!  Again, if you have any questions, you can email me at kjberkenkemper@liberty.edu.  I have a daughter who needs to eat strictly gluten free as well, so if you need help with meal ideas, just shoot me an email and I can help!

Thank your everyone!!!
Karen

May 20th, 2015

     Life has been pretty silent as Christy recovered from surgery.  Both her and Jason's parents came in to help her while she's recovered.  The experience was quite painful for her, but she really is recovering well.
     The start date for her chemotherapy had been set at June 2nd.  She will go in for treatment every other week  for 6 weeks and undergo what is known as the "red devil."  It is a fierce form of chemo that is really difficult to endure.  After that time period, she will change to weekly infusions of a different form that is easier for her body to handle.
     A few weeks ago the Curries were able to buy a house!  The home is actually still under construction and won't be completed till the end of August.  A good friend of theirs has generously offered a house for them to live in until they move into their new home over the summer and they are moving in this weekend.  Some of you may not know, but shortly before Christy was diagnosed, her daughter Summer was diagnosed with an immune/lung disease known as Hyper IgE Syndrome.  She has been fighting it for a long time, but only recently was able to identify it.  Therefore, to help  Summer live the healthiest life possible, she needs to live in an allergy free environment and a new or recently built home is the best option for them.  So, we praise the Lord that he provided a home that meets the needs of their entire family just at the right time!
     Thank you for your continued prayer for the Currie family.  Zane recently celebrated his 5th birthday and Summer's 8th birthday is coming up.  I (Christy's sister) will be flying out to Omaha to spend her first week of chemo with her, and this will be the first time I'll have the opportunity to be with her since it all began.  Their whole family has been such a testimony of God's faithfulness, and I praise Him for this opportunity for His name to be praised!

Please continue to pray:
1.  That the Lord would give Christy strength as she begins chemo
2.  That fear would not enter into the doors of the Currie house


Thank you so much for everything you've done; the prayers, the meals, and your outpouring of love has just been incredible.  THANK YOU!

May 1st, 2015

I just wanted to update you that Christy has decided to spend a second night in the hospital to allow herself more recovery time.  Thank you for praying!!

April 30th, 2015: Surgery Day

     As many of you know, today was surgery day for Christy.  She went in at 11 am for prep, and then spent time in prayer with Jason, my mom, her pastor, and a few friends.  Her nurse is a Christian and prayed with her as well before she went in.  She also assured Christy that her surgeon, plastic surgeon, and anesthesiologist are the best in Omaha and that she would be receiving the best of care.  She went into surgery at peace.  The surgery itself took around 5 hours.
     After spending an hour in recovery and then being transferred to her room, she woke up to say these two things:  "I did it," and "I want Jesus."
     She is in quite a bit of pain, most likely has a rough night ahead of her.  If all goes well and as planned, she hopes to come home from the hospital tomorrow (Friday the 1st).   Jason's parents, Dan and Patty Currie, are in town taking care of the kids, while my mom, Patty DenHartog, is staying at the hospital with Christy.
     I want to share with you something quite amazing, actually.  Early this morning Christy woke up, restless with anxiety about her surgery today.  Being prompted by the Holy Spirit to read scripture, Christy opened up to Psalm 30, as today is the 30th of April.  I hope you are as encouraged by it as what we have been.  Here is what the Lord spoke to her:

30 I will extol You, O Lord, for You have lifted me up,
And have not let my foes rejoice over me.
2 O Lord my God, I cried out to You,
And You healed me.
3 O Lord, You brought my soul up from the grave;
You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.[a]

4 Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His,
And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.[b]
5 For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning.

6 Now in my prosperity I said,
“I shall never be moved.”
7 Lord, by Your favor You have made my mountain stand strong;
You hid Your face, and I was troubled.

8 I cried out to You, O Lord;
And to the Lord I made supplication:
9 “What profit is there in my blood,
When I go down to the pit?
Will the dust praise You?
Will it declare Your truth?
10 Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me;
Lord, be my helper!”

11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,
12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+30&version=NKJV