I’m not comfortable saying, “Hi there! No offense, but your perfume makes me gag! No, I can’t sit next to you!” If I were king, I’d lump perfume with cigarette smoke and ban it in public places! Sorry you perfume lovers– nothing personal. I am just trying to breathe and be healthy.
–Semi-silent sufferer, attending church on-line

Dear Semi-silent sufferer,

You are definitely not alone! Although many assume this is rare, unfortunately, approximately 14% of Americans (knowingly) have MCS.

I also live with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS). The term, “sensitivities” is not a good description of what these chemicals do to me. I get an instant, disabling migraine, vertigo, weakness or paralysis in my limbs, swelling of the brain, spasms in my spinal cord, nausea and horrific pain all over.

What’s more, anyone can develop MCS by way of every day use and exposure to chemical fragrances and/or a sudden large exposure. Continued exposures often lead to increased sensitivities.

In fact, a large portion of the population gets some sort of adverse health effects to perfumes or other synthetically fragranced products. Many do not make the connection to their headaches, fatigue and/or asthma type symptoms. By the time most people realize what is causing their symptoms, they are out of control and often debilitating and isolating.

It is good that we don’t tell others that their perfume makes us gag or sick, because such use of words often cause people to take it personally. However, we should be able to be honest and do what we have to do to not be exposed.

We can do so by simply saying, “I am so sorry, I would love to sit next to you, but I get bad headaches from perfume.” That way the symptom is from the perfume and not them and it is not tied to a visual of us turning our noses up at them.

Another way is to share resources with them. My husband is the Founder and President of a couple of great non-profit organizations that provide pamphlets and information that can be shared with friends, family, employers and churches.

• Why Go Perfume Free to Church? Where Is God Ministries
• Is Your Church Making People Sick? Where Is God Ministries
• Why Go Fragrance Free? Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA)
• Creating a Fragrance-Free Zone (Workplace). Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA)
• Interview with Dr. Anne Steineman (Audio). The Cleaner Indoor Air Campaign (Launched by IDA)
• Letter for Churches. The Cleaner Indoor Air Campaign (Launched by IDA)
• My Invisible Disabilities Community (social network for people living with illness, pain and injury – with an MCS Group)

I am so sorry you are living with this, as it can be extremely isolating. I hope you find these resources helpful!

Sherri Connell has used her personal tragedy of chronic illness and pain to bring awareness and to be a voice for people who are living with debilitating chronic illness through the Invisible Disabilities Association with her husband, Wayne.

Related articles

• What Do You Do About Co-Workers’ Strong Perfume? (bellasugar.com)
• More People Are Making Their Own Natural Perfume (bellasugar.com)

Yes! Recently during Rest Ministries Fall Bible Study many people shared that they do this, or are learning to do it.

God understands even when our prayers don’t make sense

If you have ever felt like you could barely put a complete sentence together, don’t not pray. “The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes with sighs too deep for words.” (Romans 8:26) Sighing the name of “Jesus” will always bring you comfort. Eloquence is not necessary.

God has heard our prayers tied to tears

We have prayed, “Hear the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence” (2 Chronicles 6:19) and God has told us, “I have heard your prayer and seen your tears,” (2 Kings 20:5). When you want to talk to God but somehow your prayers turn into tears, it’s okay. Rest in His presence and allow Him to comfort you.

God knows what we are going to say before we say it

Psalm 139:4 says, “Before a word is on my tongue You, Lord, know it completely.” If you feel lost about where to even start to pray, open your Bible to the Psalms and start reading it out loud to God. Chances are it will describe what you didn’t know how to put into words.

God knows what is in our hearts

We don’t need to try to impress God with our fancy words or flowing phrases. We are speak to Him as a child does to his or her father, crying out “Abba” (Galatians 4:6) There is power in the name of Jesus and Philippians 2:10 tells us, “. . . at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. . . ”

God knows what is on our minds

We can’t “inform” God about something since He already knows. We don’t have to try to figure out all the details in our life before going to the Lord in prayer. “The Lord knows the thoughts of man.” (Psalm 94:11a) He knows your worries, your concerns, your fears, and He wants to cast them all away and give you rest and peace. You don’t have to have the energy to explain the “whole story” about your needs and desires when you are exhausted. Instead, surrender it over to Him and accept His unconditional love.

God understands our difficulty in believing during difficult times

Have you ever felt this way? “Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’” (Mark 9:24) When we cannot form the words to pray, we tend to think it is because we are not worthy to approach the King in our state of mind right now. Not true. We can come to God at any time, in any way. Seek forgiveness for your shortcomings and sins and ask for the hope that He promises.

A 1-word prayer is one kind of prayer

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” (Ephesians 6:18) People may tell you how to pray and provide all kinds of “rules” about doing it correctly, respectfully and with “enough” faith. But remember all of the factors above and “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” Isn’t that freeing to know that through Jesus Christ, we can approach the God of the universe just as we are.

Prayer is created for us to be more intimate with God

We are inviting Him into our lives, to share our burdens, our worries, and even our thankfulness. “For God is greater than our hearts, and He knows everything.” (1 John 3:20) Prayer is a gift that God has given us to be able to freely communicate with Him. It is easy to start to think of prayer as something we are “supposed to be doing” –but it is the greatest gift God has given us, for our benefit. In the new year, let go of your preconceptions of what prayer looks like and just communicate with God.

Lisa Copen is the founder of Rest Ministries and she lives in San Diego with her husband and son. She is gradually learning how to balance motherhood, family, illness, and ministry, but she still knows it will be a lifetime lesson. You can see the books she has written, including, Why Can’t I Make People Understand? at the Rest Ministries shop.

I always love to take a second look at this story, however, to find a fresh perspective on it and to personalize it. This year, as I looked more closely at the life of Mary, I saw certain traits that we all can learn from, especially those with chronic illness.

Mary surrendered her own will to God’s plans

“’I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’” (Luke 1:38) Mary was just a girl who had dreams of marrying and having a family, but I can imagine that this wasn’t exactly how she planned to fulfill those hopes! Still, as soon as the angel told her what God was to do, she said, “I am the Lord’s servant.”

When God shows us the path He has for us, it’s often the last thing we would have imagined. Like Mary, it may make those around us uncomfortable, think we are confused about God’s plans for us, and even subject us to ridicule. Still, if we just immediately surrender our will to be God’s servant, it will make everything be smoother.

Mary expressed her wonder and questions

“‘How will this be?’ Mary asked the angel.” (Luke 1:34) When she heard that she was to give birth to the Son of God–as a virgin, she obviously had a few questions running through her head about how it would all work out, and what would happen to the honor of her and her family as well.

When we look at our circumstances it is easy to have our first response to be, “God cannot possibly do something with this mess!” or “I have made too many mistakes for God to be able to help me now.” We are never beyond God being able to work in our lives, and it’s okay to pray, “Lord, how will this be? How will You do the impossible? I am eager to see You at work!”

Mary knew when to seek out a friend

“Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.” ( Luke 1:56) Even when travel was difficult, she knew that visiting with Elizabeth and spending some time with a girlfriend would make a difference. It may also have been a good opportunity to avoid some of the growing rumors that could put her in physical danger back home.

I can allow myself the gift of friendship, whether it is a getaway for three hours, three days, or three months. Though traveling may be difficult, even if it’s just leaving the house, God created me with the need for friends, and I need to be with them.

Mary worked with what she had

“[Mary] wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger.” (Luke 2:7a) I can imagine that Mary’s relatives had made her baby blankets for the child she would have, but she wasn’t able to carry very much with her to Bethlehem. Perhaps the innkeeper found a few clothes she could use. Though the circumstances were not as she had hoped, she didn’t sit around and whine to the shepherds about the donkey ride, or demand that Joseph go find a Macy’s to get some worthy linen to wrap this future King in. She worked with what she had.

My illness will likely cause there to be many times when I would choose to have things different, but just as Mary worked with what she had, I too can accept the way things are and use what God has given me.

Mary recognized what was important and treasured it

“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19) Notice this verse says, “But. . .Mary. . . ” In other words, Mary was unique in her appreciation of the situation. Unlike many of the others who were there, she fully treasured the birth of her baby and pondered it all, wondered, noted each moment.

Luke 1:45 says, “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her!” Mary took time to really think about what God had done, how He had done it, and how she had been blessed to be part of the story. Even as Jesus grows up, when he is twelve years old scripture tells us–that still– “But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.” (Luke 2:51b)

When we live with illness, we need to take a step away from the hustle of the holidays and ponder what really matters and where God is in it all. If we just celebrate through our actions, but not take time to reflect on them in our heart, and lay our thanksgiving out before God, we may miss the true blessing in it all.

Mary allowed others to help her

“So [Joseph] got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt.” (Matthew 2:14) We do not know exactly how old Jesus was (estimation is a few weeks) when Joseph received the message in a dream that his son’s life was in danger, but when he had that dream, he immediately woke Mary up and they headed out.

How easy it would have been for Mary to say, “Joseph, I have packing to do, Jesus is on a tight nap schedule. I don’t think God will mind if we wait a few days, right?” But she didn’t. She had learned that God spoke to both her and to her husband and when a message received, there was no time for dilly-dallying. They left immediately.

There are times when surgeries or lab tests or uncomfortable medications are just not convenient! But when I feel that it is necessary to do it as soon as possible, I need to follow the message I believe God is giving me and not give in to others opinions that I should wait until after the holidays, or a more convenient time.

Reflections

May your season to a time to reflect on the many gifts that our Savior has given us, including the opportunity to learn from one of the most-loved people in His life, His mother.

Lisa Copen is the founder of Rest Ministries and she lives in San Diego with her husband and son. She is gradually learning how to balance motherhood, family, illness, and ministry, but she still knows it will be a lifetime lesson. You can see the books she has written, including, Why Can’t I Make People Understand? at the Rest Ministries shop.

Many people are eager to start the chaos of preparing for the holidays, including baking, decorating, shopping and getting together with loved ones. For those with a chronic illness, however, there can be a sense of dread because our desires are much like the rest of the population, but we know our bodies will never hold up to all of the things that we would like to do.

“When I think of the holidays, I immediately think of all of the things I need to do and then I am tired just thinking about it,” says Karon, who lives with lupus and fibromyalgia. “I used to love to bake and do cookie exchanges. I decorated the whole house. Now just thinking about getting a tree seems overwhelming.”

As believers, Christmas is a time of celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. It should be a time of joy and reflecting on the pure contentment that we can experience because we know we have everlasting life. But how easily it becomes to grieve the fact that we cannot afford Christmas gifts for everyone we care about and that we aren’t going to be able to get the nine-foot Christmas tree.

Before the craziness of the holidays set in, here are some questions to ask yourself to decrease that anxiety!

What are my values and how can I express them?
What is really important to you? Do you believe that Christmas is the celebration of Christ’s birthday? Then skip all the dozens of cookies and make a birthday cake. Invite a few of your friends over for coffee and cake and just share an hour of quietness talking about how God has been faithful in your life, even through the most difficult trials. Your house doesn’t have to be perfectly decorated or even clean. Just clear off the table, put on some music and light a candle. In sunny San Diego, I turn on my DVD of a fire burning on the television.

What memories do I want my children or loved ones to have?
Make a list and don’t hold anything back! What would be on your dream holiday wish list? It may be having everyone gather around and read the Christmas story, driving through the neighborhood to see the Christmas lights, having a big holiday meal with everyone around the table. Maybe you love to go to the Christmas tree farm and cut down your own tree, take your child to see Santa Clause, and open the little doors on your advent calendar. Remember your favorite memories as a child that you want to repeat, for example, curling up with cocoa and popcorn and watching Rudolph. What traditions do you already have?

Now, look at your list again and organize it. What things require a lot of energy? What things take less? Obviously, there is quite a difference between getting a Christmas tree and watching a Christmas program. What on your list is an annual tradition that you wish to make a priority? What would you be willing to allow your family to do without you? What church services or programs do you wish to attend? What is something you love to do, but could do every other year?

What is God going to hold me accountable for?
If your list above is growing longer by the moment, stop and reflect on what is most important to the Lord. What do you believe God will hold you accountable for? If you are able to make time to stand in the long line for your children to see Santa Clause, but you are too tired to read the Christmas story, will that be pleasing to the Lord?

It is impossible to please everyone, and it may even be impossible to meet your own expectations of yourself. Look at your list and ask yourself, “What on this list is pleasing to God? What is bringing Him joy?”

Remember. . . Jesus is the reason for the season! It is not meant to be just a cheery slogan, but a way to keep your priorities in the right order.

What can I do in advance or accept help with to make it happen without exhausting myself?
When you look at your list what is on there where you could simplify? Before my chronic illness I made all baked good from scratch. Now, however, since I want my son to have ten minutes of cutting our sugar cookies with the Christmas cookie cutters, I just buy the pre-made dough.

Shop online when you can. Ask at the mall when the lines are the shortest to see Santa. Go to church on Saturday night if mornings are physically painful. Could a friend help you come over and decorate? Can you pre-make and freeze some items for Christmas dinner? If you cannot travel to be with family, can you Skype to be a part of the party? Think of alternatives to what you usually do.

Prepare the logistics before you are in pain
Speak with your doctor about your typical pain during December. Does the weather impact you? Do you get sick easily? Prepare a plan for the holiday season, such as who to call if you are in severe pain–especially if you are traveling. Ask about medications that may be prescribed, how to avoid infections, etc. Stock up on pain patches, a heating pad, ice bags, vitamins; have on hand whatever can help.

Remember to take care of yourself. Prop your feet up while watching the Christmas shows; use hand sanitizer after you hit the buttons on those ATM machines and use grocery carts, avoid excessive salt and sugar. Get some cozy sleepwear and do your best to get some sleep.

Planning your priorities before the holidays arrive can help you decide what is most vital to your holiday experience and memory-making efforts. Be sure to take photos of everything, and make it a goal to write a few sentences about what you did and why it was special to you. This can become a lovely keepsake scrapbook of memories and it will help you prioritize the desires of your heart the next year!

Lisa Copen is the founder of Rest Ministries and she lives in San Diego with her husband and son. She is gradually learning how to balance motherhood, family, illness, and ministry, but she still knows it will be a lifetime lesson. You can see the books she has written, including, Why Can’t I Make People Understand? at the Rest Ministries shop.

I once heard the comparison that life with chronic illness was sort of like “living in the parenthesis.” It can sound like a bad Christmas letter. . .

We have had the most fabulous year (despite mom being in the hospital a couple of weeks). We had a wonderful trip to the lake and went camping (mom stayed in a motel nearby) and everyone waterskiied and sunbathed (except mom, she can’t be in the sun or ski so she just watched from under a canopy). We went to see the caves (mom couldn’t walk the stairs so she just rested at the motel). We are looking forward to getting together with you this year (Mom can’t travel so we hope you can visit us!)

Does life ever feel that way? Over in the Rest Ministries Sunroom Bet shared her heart on acknowledging her body’s need to rest, yet also feeling like she is missing out on life.

Rest. It’s what my body needs me to do. When I was well, I would have loved a day like this. To just rest. But when you lose two weeks of the month or more to chronic pain it’s not so fun anymore. Sometimes I think I’m becoming invisible. That I’m so removed from life that I’m not here anymore. Sometimes, the effort it takes to go somewhere, get things done is just too much.

Yes, we can so relate! It’s so easy for us to feel as though we are slipping into the background of everyone’s life. We may be present, but we aren’t talking a lot. It’s too exhausting. We aren’t participating. We may be there, but we are resting. And laughing? Will our children grow up ever remembering what our laughter even sounds like?

Sarah shares that she feels this way sometimes. “I feel often that life is just surviving. I do feel invisible to many around and I do feel like an observer in life. I watch other people living their life.”

Linda says she sometimes feels invisible too. “When we have visitors I can chat for about twenty minutes, and then I get quieter and quieter, and eventually I feel like ‘the vegetable in the corner’ who nobody makes eye-contact with.”

So how do you cope with these feelings?
There are no easy answers, but here are a few ways to redirect your thoughts to help keep some perspective. “So many times I hear from others trying to be helpful to ‘just be more positive.’” says, Barb. “If positive thinking were the cure, that would be fabulous!”

We all know “positive thinking” likely will not “cure us” but by trading in our thoughts of negativity to focusing on God’s promises we can know that we are giving our very best to the art of coping.

You may be familiar with the scripture Jeremiah 29:11. This is one of my favorites as far as promises go.

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”

Let’s break this down to see how it can be a coping tool for us when we start to feel invisible in this life.

God has plans for you
Even though there may be days when you don’t feel this to be true, it is one of God’s promises. It is not a matter of opinion, it just is. God has plans for you–even if you are never healed here on earth. God’s plans include prospering, not harm, God will give you a hope and a future. It doesn’t matter what your doctors say, or your test results–only God knows how much time you have here on earth and He has plans for you right up until your last breath.

As the saying goes “Don’t put trouble in your wheelbarrow. It’s heavy enough as it is.” Life is full of sufferings, and we each have quite a wheelbarrow of burdens we may be pulling around, so don’t add to it by thinking your best year are past you. You never know what God has for tomorrow.

God has plans that are prosperous for you!
Sarah agrees. “[God] has me sitting on the sidelines for His purpose. He certainly is refining me in ways that I had never imagined. So whatever His purposes are He does have a purpose for each of us even if we can’t see it. We need to trust He knows what is best for us.”
Is that easy? Not necessarily. It is true and beneficial? Yes!

“When I am out in the world, sometimes I get this weird feeling like I’m not a part of it,” confesses Bet. “Like the whole world is just going about their business without issue. And there I am, the struggling one.”

Though we may feel like we are the struggling one, think of yourself as the one whom God is blessing with wisdom. You are different. You are suffering. But you have been set apart by the Lord Himself to become one who knows Him in a much more intimate way then even some of the most well-known pastors you may watch on television today. Because you are suffering for Christ. And Jesus says, “Whoever does not take up their cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:38-39)

God promises not to harm us
I love Sarah’s words about suffering and turning to God for our needs. “He hears our cries and gives us everything we need to get through each difficulty or crisis. We often want out of the crisis but He never promised to take us out–just through.”

Ah, yes. He never promised to take us out of our trials. . . just through. Though the pain you are experiencing may feel as though it is harmful, it is not intended that way. I was awake off and on nearly all night with aching shoulder pain that nothing could stop. I am sitting in my chair in the living room now, unable to even move my left arm. But when I prop is up just so, I can type. And I have written this article. God can use anything. Had I felt decent today I would not have spent this time, I would have been doing laundry, cleaning, etc., but God gave me a shortcut to learning what Martha learned.

Have you read this scripture before? When we are in a lot of pain, we just go straight to Jesus’ feet- no cooking or cleaning!

“But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:40-42)

Believe God does have a purpose
My favorite scripture I sign all my books with is Psalm 119:50. “My purpose in my suffering is this, Your promise perseveres my life.” I may suffer, but it does have a purpose, and God’s promises persevere my life!

Imagine that. God’s promises are not meant to just reassure us. They are meant to renew our life! Refresh it! Keep my life from rotting or going stale! And how do God’s promises preserve my life? Through my suffering! They will do it for you too.

God promises us hope
“Invisible. It is so helpful to share with someone who can really understand what you are experiencing,” says Barb. “Sharing with others going through like circumstances helps tremendously.” One of the ways hope can come is through the conversations we have with friends.

Many people here at Rest Ministries have found some true friendships in the Sunroom. In fact, we’ve heard from people who signed up and didn’t come back for six months, only to later discover a whole world of gals and guys who “get it” when it comes to living with illness and staying encouraged through our faith. Whether it’s through friends in your hometown, or a social network, have a “go to” place for when you need to express the emotions you are dealing with.

God promises us a future
When you have had weeks or even months of bad days it seems like there may never be a good day again. The odds are, however, there will be days that you can do something you enjoy, even if it is just a small something. “Some days can be very hard. On those days I don’t even want to answer the door, or look outside the window, I just want to be left alone,” says Lillie. “But those days will come and go, and good days will come along too. And O, how I thank the Lord for those good days!”

What brings you joy? Hopefully you can answer something besides, “Going to Disneyland!” Think small. Is it watching a romantic comedy? Listening to some upbeat music? Turning on a sermon on your computer to spend some time learning something in the word? Playing with your cat? Joy doesn’t have to be in big packages to still be pure joy. When you think of pampering yourself, what is it that you can do? Stop yourself if you start thinking of things you cannot do! Focus on the possibilities.

There are times that having the promise of a future is all we need to get through one more day!

Remember it!
It can be easy to get into the habit of reading a scripture and thinking it was meant just for those people in Biblical times, or for the people of today–who are healthy. Nope! God’s promises are for you too!

Say this scripture with me inserting your name in the blank spot. Read it out loud right now with your name. Personalize it. Make it your own! Tape it to your bathroom mirror. It is one of God’s promises for you!

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,________’ declares the Lord, ‘I plans to prosper _____________ and not to harm ______________, plans to give ________________ hope and give ___________ a future.’”

Wow. Powerful stuff, huh?

Lisa Copen is the founder of Rest Ministries and she lives in San Diego with her husband and son. She is gradually learning how to balance motherhood, family, illness, and ministry, but she still knows it will be a lifetime lesson. You can see the books she has written, including, Why Can’t I Make People Understand? at the Rest Ministries shop.

I sit here balancing my netbook on my lap. If I rest my elbows on the arms of my chair I can sort of type.

Both shoulders are throbbing.

Ache. Pause. Shooting pain. Pause. Throb. Pause.

They have hurt since before going to bed last night and did not improve.

But due to my jaw swelling shut the day before, I was too focused on the pain there. My head ached. This morning the head is somewhat better. But now I feel the shoulders.

Please, Lord, I cry out. Don’t let this be my day! I already gave Tuesday and Wednesday to my illness. I want Thursday!

I need to go and take a shower. Get dressed. But I can barely stand. I cannot reach my head to even pat down the bed head. How long until I can make steps toward being presentable?

I have had an abundance of pain in the last few days. I don’t want an abundance of hurt. I want the abundant life Jesus promises.

Last year at this time I had just started working with a Christian life coach. I had goals. I had fears. I had hopes.

She gave me tools. A new perspective. A time to learn. She made it a necessity to be “selfish” and think about me. But it was not selfish.

Because it was not about me. It was about Him.

What does God want my life to look like? What does God want for my husband? What are God’s plans for my son? How can I be in on that instead of a hindrance to that? How can we have an abundant life?

I didn’t see a spotless house or more video games anywhere on that list. Abundance is not about perfection. It is not about things.

Most people wait until January for new goals, resolutions. They cruise through the holidays surrendering their intentions over to . . . whatever. Whatever it takes to not have to face the consequences of their choices.

We can get caught up in the “November-I-am-so-thankful-for” moments and then the “December-let’s-just-be-cheerful” distractions.

But I don’t want to wait until January. I need change now. Life is too precious to wait.

And change feeds on itself. You make a change and you feel good about it. You want to make another one. You see that changing your life to more closely rememble that which God desires for you is not out of your reach.

True change is not the result of making big decisions; it’s about the million tiny little choices you make each day, sometimes when you don’t even realize it.

And I am learning I cannot change others. But I can change myself and I can change my surroundings. One of the ways I have been doing this is to declutter, in small little ways. Now, as I walk through my house, I can see space. No one else can see it, because it is still so full, but I can.

Space gives me room to breath. Room to see. Room to listen. If God is speaking to me, maybe now I can hear Him. Before all my things yelled, “Take care of me! Put me away! Dust me! Move me!”

I am letting go of some of my things. And with them go some of the frustration. I am seeing hope.

It is very hard to work on our emotional and spiritual growth when we physically cannot even lift up our arms to brush our hair. My illness does get in the way of my plans.

Yesterday I had an appointment to get a much-needed haircut and highlight. An “instant” perk-me-up! But I had to cancel.

Yes, my illness is an obstacle, but it is not a road block.

In the next few weeks I plan to share some of the little changes I have made. Change is hard. But it is so worth it. In John 10:10 Jesus says, “I came that they may have life and have it abudantly.” Do you have an abundant life. . . or just an average life?

It is hard to find the abundance within the chaos of illness, isn’t it? We have to dig a little deeper, learn to find contentment in the chaos. But Jesus didn’t say, “I came so that the healthy people can have it abundantly.” Abundance is for each of us.

Lord, remind me how You define abundance. Let me search for the abundance You desire so I don’t waste time, energy and even money on how the world define abundance.

When you think of an abundant life that Jesus came–and then sacrificed His life for. . . what do you see?

Lisa Copen is the founder of Rest Ministries and she lives in San Diego with her husband and son. She is gradually learning how to balance motherhood, family, illness, and ministry, but she still knows it will be a lifetime lesson. You can see the books she has written, including, Why Can’t I Make People Understand? at the Rest Ministries shop.

She is currently writing a book for Christian moms who live with chronic illness. If you are interested in sharing your stories, feedback and confessions for the book, visit her Facebook page at http://MomWithIllness.com .