2012 Election and Celebrating Calm

From today's newsletter. I just love www.CelebrateCalm.com

You Lost the Election. What are YOUR next 4 years going to be like? 50% of you are really happy about the election. 50% of you are disappointed. And it's okay to feel those emotions. But at the end of the day, I refuse to give power over my life and emotions to the election of a man or woman.

• No matter who is President, my choices will determine whether the next four years - are the best years of my life.
• I am going to become more emotionally mature.
• I am going to grow closer to my spouse rather than drifting apart by being more vulnerable and patient.
• I am going to develop a closer bond with my kids by being the calm, authoritative leader they can trust.
• I am going to revel in the boundless love and mercy of a caring God who I'm getting to know better each day.
• I am going to serve and help more people in need than ever before.
• I am going to grow in wisdom and knowledge.
• I am going to create a more dynamic organization that changes generations of families.
• I am going to deal with those dark places in my soul and those blind spots that keep me from having healthier relationships with family and friends.
• I am going to be grateful for the unexpected surprises, both good and bad, that cause me to grow.
• I am going to make the next four years a time of caring for myself, for my family and for others like never before.

And also the wise words of a fellow FB Christian. She writes:

You may be happy or you may be sad over the election results. No matter your emotions, the Word of God is still the ultimate truth and we have our own responsibilities to uphold:

1. To pray for those in authority, 1 Timothy 2:1-4.
2. To pay those in authority, Romans 13:5.
3. To submit to those in authority, I Peter 2:13-14.
4. To pray that God will heal our land, 2 Chronicles 7:14.
5. To pay attention as careful stewards of our truest freedom, Galatians 5:1.
6. To submit to God above men, Acts 5:29.

Cancer 101 for Kids

The kids came with John and I to meet my breast surgeon. We had made plans alternative plans for them to stay with their Dad but they felt strongly about going with us. In fact, Jack got very upset and said he wanted to meet the doctor and ask questions. I would certainly rather educate and engage my kids in this process than let their minds wander and be frightened because they don't know what's going on. 

So that's what we did. 

They waited until my exam and planning meeting was over and then my doctor met with them. She took off her lab coat and sat at their level in the lobby - very casual. I was impressed that both kids actually took the opportunity to ask questions. They were not shy and were very at ease.

Jack's first question was, "What exactly is breast cancer?" The doctor gave a age-appropriate explanation of "cells" and then explained that some cells in our body grow differently and they can hurt us. She told him that "Mommy had some of those bad cells and that because she was so smart to take care of her health, she is going to get rid of those bad cells." He followed up with, "Will Mommy get new pillows?" (Yes, my kids call my boobs "pillows," because when we snuggle up to read or watch tv, they always get into my arms and rest their head on my chest.) She explained that "Yes. Mommy will have new "pillows" and once she is feeling good and healed, you can cuddle with her just like you do now." Jack was satisfied with those answers and promptly picked up his itouch to finish his game of MineCraft. 

Then McKenna asked "Why do both pillows have to be chopped off if only one is bad?" (Yes, she said "chopped off. Lovely!) The doctor explained that it was like wearing a seatbelt...that Mommy is making smart choices for her health and safety.  McKenna then responded, "I can tell you are going to take care of her and she's still gonna be my smokin' hot mamma!" What a little firecracker she is! I hugged her so hard and my insides exploded with joy.

The doctor was wonderful with them.

They were happy and relaxed.

John and were so thankful; we really want to make them feel like everything is okay without negating the fact that Mommy is sick. 

No secrets. 

Mission accomplished.

I'm very proud of them!!

In fact, I'm proud of us all!

And I will forever be reminded of this journey and will continue to WALK BY FAITH!