Saturday, December 18, 2010

Miracles


It seems to be the season for miracles...right? The miracle of Christ's birth, people giving generously to those in need, and snow in Tennessee. Well, not exactly a miracle but unusual given that most of our snow comes in January and February. We are getting excited that we might have a white Christmas for the first time since 2004 when we lived in Germany - that would be cool!

Even better in the miracle department was the vast improvement in Vince's dad's health. For two weeks he laid in an ICU after suffering a heart attack unable to clearly communicate. His organs began to battle infections and shut down. He had pneumonia in his lungs, a kidney that stopped working, an infection in his liver and a pancreas that forced him to go on a feeding tube. It was grim. I believe in the power of prayer - and that man was on every prayer line I know of plus the multitudes of family and friends who prayed privately for him. Vince cried at his bedside unable to see this strong man, a hero to him, suffer in pain. After a week by his side, he journeyed back to Tennessee bracing for the worst. The next morning he woke to a phone call from his father. He woke up that morning uttering the words "God is great"! It was the first sense he had made all week --- he realized he had been saved! I don't know what constitutes an "actual miracle" but this was the miracle we had prayed for as a family. Alleluia!

Although he has much recovering to do, he is sitting up, talking and even stood up. We are thankful and blessed to have been part of the season of miracles in this way. We love him and hope he continues to receive blessings and healing!

I hope each one of you experiences a miracle of your own this season!

Monday, December 6, 2010

Problems with Peace

Today was just one of those days when I didn't feel much like a success. Not as a mom. Not as a wife. Not as a friend or as a business owner. I just felt like a big fat failure. I hate days like these and I spent quite a bit of time alone today trying to figure out why I feel so ..... YUCK. I believe that we are attacked on a spiritual level and this is a good way for the enemy to bring fear into our hearts instead of the truth and light, hope and promise that this season should be bringing. So much focus is on "what to do", "what to buy", "what to cook"....I think it makes me a little grouchy and anxious instead of peaceful and joyous. I think what really makes me feel the worse is that I allow these thoughts to take over where that peace and joy should be sitting. Double YUCK.

So as I embark on this busy holiday season of celebration, I will try and keep my focus upward and quiet my mind to things that matter most. I am not going to let fear make my decisions. I am not going to be persuaded by any marketing that I "need" something to make this season bright. I am not going to stress because it is December 6 and I haven't even thought of a Christmas card. I am not going to worry about what to cook, what to wear or what I still have on my "list of things to do"....I am just going to be the best Kirsten I can be and stay focused on peace in my mind, heart and soul.

Here's to peaceful days ahead for you too!