A Year of Miracles

Miracles #12 and 13: Taxes

2009-03-17T10:39:00.000-07:00

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!)

www.myheartsdesireministries.com
©2009 All Rights Reserved Trina Loucks

Miracle #11: Running

2009-02-13T13:49:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-16T20:38:00.000-08:00

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

Miracle #9: Eating and Feeling Good

2008-11-18T16:18:00.000-08:00

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

2008-10-06T13:49:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-18T09:40:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-16T16:50:00.000-07:00

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!

Miracle #5: Remembering Past Miracles

2008-08-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

A lot of times when we think of miracles we think of the BIG pie in the sky miracles: parting of the Red Sea, miraculous healings, walking on water. So I think it tends to make us think that miracles only happened in Biblical times or at the very least they rarely happen today. I have found however that it’s the seemingly small miracles that are a BIG.

I have a receipt on my fridge to remind me of God’s miracles. A couple of years ago we were going through some financial trials and we had NO money in our account- I mean a big zero! I had just started my first Book study and I was getting reimbursed for the books. It came out to an odd amount. One of the ladies gave me an even amount and told me to keep the change (it came out to a couple of dollars).

The next morning, my daughter who was in kindergarten at the time, was supposed to bring in several apples to her class so they could make applesauce. I had completely forgot about this and knew we didn’t even have the money for that! I suddenly remembered that I had a couple extra dollars from the night before! God had remembered and knew that my little girl needed apples so she could make applesauce. This small miracle was such a big deal to me and it reminded me of how intimately God knows us- down to the smallest detail.

Miracles happen every day. Sometimes they are too “small” to see.

Miracle #4: I Made it Through the Day

2008-08-01T22:59:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had “one of those days?” It was my turn last Tuesday.

It all started like this (cue “dreamy music”):

• I slept horribly the night before

• I didn’t get my walk in (I don’t even want get into it)

• I had to pay bills (which I have to pray through the whole time so I don’t have a nervous breakdown- I wasn’t so successful this time)

• Thought I LOST a bill that was due. Called the agency TWICE, left big, long messages. When I finally spoke to a live person, I found the bill – suddenly realizing that I had it all along. Felt a LITTLE silly (I will say she was super nice to this airhead – so it could have been much worse!)

• Lived through an earthquake. It was big enough to get my heart really racing and NOT on my agenda for the day (thankfully everyone is ok but it was 5.4 – earthquakes STINK!)

• Tried to nap but couldn’t get comfortable

• Tried to order stamps on-line but the system was down

• Tried to tithe online but I couldn’t remember my password (They say you’re not supposed to have the same password for everything but then how in the world are you supposed to remember them? I have a bunch written down but of course this wasn’t one of them!)

• Promised (rather bribed) Abby that we’d get a little toy out of the vending machine if she went to the grocery store with me. We got there- no more vending machine.

• I could continue but I don’t want to sound like TOO much of a complainer! ☺

It was just “ONE OF THOSE DAYS” where nothing major happened but everything I did was either VERY difficult or didn’t work AT ALL. “One of those days” you wish you could go back to bed and start over!

Later that night I went to my Book Study. I was looking over the notes and this is the verse that I was to open with:

“But I'll take the hand of those who don't know the way,
who can't see where they're going.
I'll be a personal guide to them,
directing them through unknown country.
I'll be right there to show them what roads to take,
make sure they don't fall into the ditch.
These are the things I'll be doing for them—
sticking with them, not leaving them for a minute."

Isaiah 42:15-16 The Message

I’m convinced God has me in my line of work more for ME than anybody. I need reminders too often. He’s there even on “one of those days.” God definitely has a sense of humor.

Miracle #3: I Got Things Done

2008-07-24T21:46:00.000-07:00

It was 8:30 pm. I had just put the girls to bed. Ahhh- quiet. I was soooo tired! I just wanted to read and go to bed BUT I knew there were several things that I needed to get done! Now this wasn't one of those times where I was overloaded and needed to rest (that's another miracle story for another time, but I will say, "You have permission to take naps!!" Don't get me started!) This was a time where I was just being plain lazy - I'll say it! I can be very lazy. I had prayed, (half heartily) "Lord you are going to have to give me some motivation to get things done because I have none." I was lying in bed but I needed to go downstairs to get something. My plan was to come right back and put my lazy bottom back into bed. As I went to go get it, I put something away, then another, then finished a little bit on a project that I've been dying to get done, and then I got ready for my appointment for tomorrow morning (I had figured, "Oh, I'll just get extra early in the morning and do it." Knowing full well I would have kicked myself for it!) Now here I am less than 2 hours later and everything is done! AND I even have some extra energy to get a blog in. Now THAT'S a miracle. Do I hear an "Amen" from any moms or wives out there?

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 19:20-21

www.myheartsdesireministries.com

www.myheartsdesireministries.blogspot.com

Miracle #2: David Gets an Unexpected Gig

2008-07-11T12:50:00.000-07:00

It is a miracle every time that David or I get a client in our businesses. The struggling economy and type of work we do can be difficult and is unpredictable at best. David has been pursuing professional vocal studio work for the past 12+ years and it is definitely a specialized niche that is hard within to get yourself established. I completely believe that God has called him to his present profession. However, it is a life-style that forces us to "live by faith." A typical week can be completely empty of jobs a month out and then in a moments notice the week is full. This has caused my ultra-organized scheduling mind to blow a few gaskets but the Lord has taught me to rely solely on Him. We're so thankful to God for this opportunity!

The very steps we take come from God;
otherwise how would we know where we're going?
Proverbs 20:24 (The Message)

Miracle #1: Paying our Bills

2008-07-10T12:12:00.000-07:00

Money is a necessary evil. I hate what it does to me. I hate that it can make or break my day. I hate that is can wake me up in the middle of the night and send me in a panic. I hate the hold that it can have on my thoughts and actions.

God has really been testing us in the area of finances. The whole story is a long one for another time but it is fitting that this is the first miracle in "The Year of Miracles."

We were getting ready to leave for the weekend to go up to my brother's wedding. We had no money in our account to even pay for the trip. The day before we left, David got a check for $250. This paid for the majority of our trip! Even with having to pay $100 to fill up our truck! (Ouch!)

One of my preparations for the trip was making sure the finances were in order. We had bills to pay the following week so I wrote the checks and got them ready to send. The last day I could send them was the Monday we returned so I decided to let them sit until then. One of things I have learned is to pray while I'm doing my finances so I don't start hyper-ventilating. And I do usually "remind" God of all the bills He has to pay! (If everything is His - I guess that means the bills too!) So I was leaving the bills in His hands. Mind you- we have no money in our account and about $1100 in bills to send on Monday.

The wedding was beautiful. We had a wonderful time with family and friends. I didn't think about the bills one time. (This is a HUGE lesson that I have learned - worrying doesn't pay the bills! Bills aren't a life and death situation!) When we returned, I was going through the mail and we received about $600 in reimbursements from our medical insurance (another long story) that I wasn't expecting AND a family member had hidden $500 in my wallet that I didn't find until we got home. Our bills were paid! A miracle! One of many to come!

Introduction

2008-07-10T12:04:00.001-07:00

This is the year of miracles. July 2008- July 2009. God has impressed this on my heart and I want to keep a log of all the miracles that He will perform. I know this sounds presumptuous but God is in the miracle business. There are miracles everyday. We just don't always see them. I pray that this blog will help open our eyes to the countless miracles that God performs in our lives.

"For nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:37

"What is impossible with men, is possible with God." Luke 18;27