Happy Birthday Bryan!

This has probably been one of the worst birthday weeks Bryan has ever had.

Seriously.

His wife gets a horrible case of the flu and is down for the count. Mostly bed-ridden for days.

She can't cook, clean, care for their kid, do laundry... nothing. She's too dizzy to walk more than a few feet and too weak to sit up for more than a few hours. She's too out of it to even remember when her next medication dose will be. It's all on you. Happy Birthday.

Instead of sipping a full glass of OJ in the recliner and staying in a separate room with a can or two of Lysol, Bryan tirelessly served me while I was sick. While I have felt guilty enough for both of us for being down for so long, Bryan didn't complain or treat me with resentment. He was loving and patient. He worked HARD.

Today, I'm not back to 100% but I am able to celebrate Christmas Eve today with our families and to celebrate Bryan's birthday with him. Because he gave me the chance to rest, I am so much better than I was a few days ago. Yay!

Bryan... When I married you 4 and a half years ago, that was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I respect you so much Bryan and am so thankful that I married you! You are a great husband and the best daddy! Happy, happy birthday! I wish every pastor was like you. If they were, I think pastor's wives would be a whole lot nicer and their kids wouldn't go AWAL. You are the kind of guy I hope Abby finds one day. I'm glad you are mine. (Back off ladies *warning eye*).

Flu Empathy

This morning I woke up feeling much more human again.

I still don't feel great, but compared to death warmed over, I am sooo much better.

As I began praying to feel better today, I realized in my heart I was praying this detached, kind of half-hearted prayer. Almost like I really didn't believe that God cared that I was still sick and wanting to feel better.

Then, it hit me. The reason Christmas is a big deal is that Jesus was made flesh. We don't have a High Priest who is unable to relate to our weaknesses (remember that verse in Hebrews 4?).

Jesus has been sick. He has been me. He cares a whole lot.

Right now, if you told me you were sick with the flu, I have an ocean of empathy for you. Last week if you had told me, I'd care but not that much. Without having the flu before, you can't really understand how miserable it is.

Jesus took on flesh for us. Got sick. Felt miserable. Loved us. Died. Rose Again.

We have a reason to celebrate this Christmas. What other god has done this for man?

Only Jesus.

Merry Christmas to me!

Much to my relief, I'm not a wimp. I have the flu.

I may be too delirious right now to write anything worth reading, but this is what is on my heart.

I am miserable. I can't remember ever feeling this sick before.

My body aches. My head is swimming. Even my eye sockets hurt.

Hello flu.

Right now, even though I feel awful, I am inwardly at peace. Thank You Jesus.

I have the hope that I will feel better soon as my prescriptions are being filled now.

I have an awesome husband who is caring for me while he fights a cold and a loving family that is supporting me by watching Abby and keeping her away from my germs.

Out there in the world, there are other sick people feeling miserable without the peace of Christ and without the hope of getting better ever... no medications are available to them. They don't just feel alone- they are alone.

Let's continue to give generously to Lottie Moon this Christmas so that the sick can be treated. So those who are alone will find out they are not.

May you have a very blessed, healthy Christmas.

Get a flu shot.