Monday, December 7, 2009



We're on the last day of a quick trip to Palm Beach to introduce James to his Arnold great-grandparents. They have both struggled with health issues in the past several years (cancer), so it was a real blessing for them to finally meet him. He's been sweet and adorable, thank God!

We're staying in a funky little bed-and-breakfast that we assumed was internet-free...but I just discovered that we have it. After catching up on emails, I checked out a few sites I visit every now and then for encouragement. One of them is "nienie's," a young mother (Stephanie Nielsen) who miraculously survived a deadly plane crash, but now deals with the unbelievable pain involved in healing from burns over 80% of her body. Her "attitude of gratitude" in spite of her suffering is inspirational.

I was pleasantly shocked to find that "nienie" mentions Katherine in her most recent blog, and has posted a link to Katherine's "Undivided Heart" site. I wish I could return the favor, but don't have time for the tutorial on "links." If you want to check out her site, just Google "nienie." She's all over the place...just returned from being on the Today Show with Matt Lauer.

Please pray for "traveling mercies" for us today... we make quite an entourage what with wheelchair, walker, stroller, and stuff!

More later...


6 comments:

Laurel said...

James looks like such a big boy!

Katherine had mentioned Stephanie on a CaringBridge post a while back and I clicked over. She seems like a truly amazing person.

Erika said...

I was reading stephanie's blog last night and saw that! I left a comment on katherine's blog about it. both katherine and stephanie are very inspiring women. glad you're having a good trip. the weather here in LA has turned dark and rainy...hopefully it's bright and sunny there.

Jared and Katy said...

I found your blog through Nienie's your daughters story is quite inspirational. I noticed in your biography on the side-bar that it said your from Athens, Ga. I am currently a student at UGA withg my husband and my name is also Cathryn (Katy for short). It's a small world. I wanted you to know that you daughter is going to be in my future prayers!

Lauren said...

I found your blog through Nienie's. I look forward to reading more about your daughter's incredible story.

Love and prayers from Atlanta,

Lauren Richins

Brittany said...

Man- I really think James looks like Katherine in that picture! I love it!

Kim said...

Your blog speaks of inner thoughts that nobody says aloud. I often think of God's purposes and wonder "why". I used to struggle alot with his decisions to heal some and not others, even crying out to him that He is unfair. I remember one day when I was driving on the 405 and I said out loud, "I don't understand you, why are some spared and healed and others are not?" It was as if He spoke right into my ear saying, 'if you understood my ways, you would be God. I want you to trust me, not the prayers you pray".

It stunned me, changed me and stopped me in my tracks. I am still puzzled...but I want to trust God like Katherine does. That is why all these blogs (just saw Stephanie's) are such an inspiration to me. God is personal, powerful, and involved. Thank you for showing us His personal side every time you write.