Miracles #12 and 13: Taxes

I finished our taxes. When I say that I mean that I finished my part of the deal. (Our tax lady still needs to figure it all out. I have no idea how to do it!) We are both self-employed so it can get a little complicated with our many W-2 and 1099 forms, our in-home office and all the deductions. We are not an EZ-form household! So of course this is usually a time of the year where I stress out because I have to do them. Granted, once I get started they aren’t near as bad as I thought but sometimes just the thought of doing the taxes is so horrible that I’d rather go to the dentist. And if you know anything about me- you know that I hate the dentist. Not him personally but just the thought of GOING to the dentist…So over a couple of days I finished them- Miracle #12. Then I figured out a way (this idea is only from the Lord) that will make them easier next year- Miracle #13. I was almost excited to do next year’s taxes! (That wouldn’t be a miracle, that would just be crazy!)

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Miracle #11: Running

After Christmas David mentioned that he wanted to train for the OC Half Marathon in May. I laughed because...

1. I've never, ever had the desire to run.
2. I didn't think he was serious.
3. Running 'just because' is right up there with getting up early - it's almost a sin in my book.
4. I've never, ever had the desire to run.

But...I figured if he was up for it - I would give it a try. Never did I imagine that we would actually continue past the first week. The first day we went running, I don't think I got much past 1/4 of a mile when I thought I was going to DIE. DIE!! It was horrible. I couldn't breathe- my whole body hurt. The thought of one day running 13+ miles seemed impossible! The next day we went out again- it still didn't feel that great but I didn't feel quite as bad. The next week I could run a mile!

We are now 6 weeks into it. We run 4 times a week anywhere between 2-5 miles and I'm still alive! Amazing! We still have a long way to go but this is definitely a HUGE miracle! The next miracle will be to actually finish the race in May!

Miracle #10: The Recession

Check out my other blog entitled, "It's Not So Bad," for the details on this miracle!

Miracle #9: Eating and Feeling Good

The year after I graduated from college, I started having digestive problems. I went to the doctor and he told me that I had IBS. He said that I needed to stay away from spicy and fried foods and start taking fiber supplements. Well that worked...kind of. The past 10+ years have been a roller coaster of trying to manage my diet and eat only certain foods to not feel crummy after each meal. Sometimes I was successful but most of the time I was not.

About a month ago, my stomach was bothering so much that I couldn't even sleep. This was a major problem! I had been praying that the Lord would give me wisdom on how we could eat healthier as a family and if He could help me with my digestive issues. The Lord answers prayers! He led me to some information that explained how I could eat normal, good tasting food and feel good. It's only been a couple of weeks but it's amazing the transformation! I can eat and not feel horrible! Plus, it's much healthier for my family. I can feel my body healing and am so thankful for this wonderful miracle!

(If you want more info on the program, email me at trinaloucks@yahoo.com)

Miracle #8: Forgotten Prayers

Miracle: God answers prayers that we have forgotten about or maybe have given up on. I won’t share publicly what it was but I’m amazed that God hears our prayers- even the ones that we forgot!

Miracle #7: Unknowing Wisdom

OK- without going into all the gory (and extremely boring) details, God is just good. That's all there is to it. With all the concern over the economy right now (and for the most part it's way over my level of understanding- thus the miracle) I'm just very grateful to the Lord that He gives us wisdom, especially when we have no idea what in the world we are doing! And even more, I'm grateful that we can put our trust in the LORD, so even if we did lose every material item on this earth: our salvation is not in jeopardy, our family is with us and we have the promise that God will provide for our needs.

Another side miracle: God EVEN takes care of Bank Charges when you accidentally have a negative balance. You may think it's silly to think that, but I would lay awake at night or wake up in a panic over potential bank charges. God is very patient and has lovingly shown me over the years, that He can handle those too.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34

Miracle #6: Five Little Words

I had my annual doctor's appointment last week. Oh the terror of 5 little words: "Please step on the scale." These words strike fear in every woman's heart. We have a love/hate relationship with the scale (mine is mostly hate) and it's usually a very private affair when one is stepping on it. But to have to do it in public! I know it's a doctor's office but come on people! Is it really necessary to have my weight for my check-up? Is it really necessary to make me stand there with all of my clothes and shoes? (which I'm sure add 10 extra pounds!) Is it really necessary to announce it over the intercom (at least that's what it feels like while they are writing it on their clipboard). ANYWAY- I politely asked the nurse if I could not be weighed and he said, "Sure, not a problem!" Sure, not a problem! Attention women everywhere who are afraid to go the doctor because of those 5 little words- ask and a miracle could happen!