These Days... - Kristin Sterk

Lots going on!

First of all, my heart goes out to those who lossed loved ones on 9/11 – also to those who are continuing to lose loved ones as our country continues to fight the war on terrorism. Sacrifices are continually being made. As I sit here in the comforts of my own home, I can’t help but tear up when thinking about what others have and are doing for my freedom. Praying continually!

Second, did ya watch the Michigan vs. Notre Dame game yesterday? Shnikees! That was probably one of the best games I have ever seen (though I was not there)! I am thinking that maybe for 1 minute all of the State fans in the world may have been cheering for Michigan – just maybe. Now MSU awaits playing a team that is 0-2! Though the game was ugly from both sides at times, there was a lot of heart left out on that field! Thanks for making our state proud Michigan!

Third, the heart! Well, I must say Michigan football is not helping with the heart condition :). I know now why I do not have a really intense job that stresses me out all the time (like Michigan football can do to me :)) – my heart would probably be in a lot worse condition! I remember the docs told me a few years ago that stress can really effect the state of my heart and I found out first hand what that meant when I worked as a social work intern at Spectrum Health. I knew after that job that I was not meant to have this huge job – it just wouldn’t be healthy for me. Michigan football reminds me again why I made the choice I did! Last week Friday I sent back my heart monitor – that month FLEW by! I am happy to say that in the last 2 weeks of having it, I only needed to use it 2-3 times! Where in the first 2 weeks, it was sometimes multiple times a day. My hunch is that the issues and symptoms I was having was mostly medication related. Yes, I still have heart palpitations and I obviously still have a moderate/severe leaking mitral valve, but at least I am able to live a more “normal” life – for that I chalk it ALL up to God! For giving the doctors wisdom in thinking it might be med related, for them to not jump too soon into heart surgery, and for giving me (and Dan) patience. It sometimes seems like all this heart stuff is never going to end, and maybe it won’t. But, we are seeing God’s purposes in it and there is good coming out of this, as God promises. I still have to have an official follow-up over the phone with my doctor on what my heart monitor readings said, but like I said, I think much of it was med related.

Fourth – we are starting up a new season of youth group today! I am EXCITED! It is Roots tonight and it’ll be so good to come together as a group again, worship, and just “be.” After an amazing mission trip and volleyball every Sunday, I start to miss them (we’ve had a 2 week break). Yeah we see them here and there, but it’s just not the same. Can’t wait to see what God does this year!

Fifth – Dan has been gone all weekend on a fishing trip with the VanLente family! He was looking SO FORWARD to this trip because he gets along with their family so well, he loves fishing, it’s a good time to just getaway. They fished up in Cadillac from Thursday til today. I am excited to see that boy again though :)!

Well, I think that is just about it! Lots to be excited about, lots to look forward to, and lots to look back on and see the grace of God.