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My Valentine’s Day Gift… of Pain?

February 3, 2011 By 5 Comments
holding-heart

By Dana Kennedy In a holy whisper, compassionate eyes searching my soul, He hands me a gift. “I love you, my child. As the cross is a symbol of my love, so is this gift. It’s not what you desire, but it will bring you more than you ever asked or imagined. Remember, all my gifts are good.” Tears course off His face as He leans down to kiss my forehead. As I carefully open the gift avoiding the thorns twisted into a bow, the blood red paper drops to the ground. I lift off the lid and peer into the tiny box. Before my mind can comprehend that it is empty, I am brought to my knees. Pain, fatigue, and weakness crash through my body pulling me under. Instantaneously, I am stricken with illness. “Oh, God! What have you given … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Articles, Love, Person w/ Illness, Spiritually Struggling Tagged With: , , , ,

I Won’t Let Illness Steal My Joy

May 7, 2010 By 5 Comments

The debilitation of my illness surprises me at the strangest times. I have a new Spring purse & want to transfer items from my shabby old one into my new one. Unexpectedly, I am overwhelmed with choices. Do I put my keys in this section or that? Where would my sunglasses best fit? My lip gloss? My wallet? My pain meds? Suddenly, I am overwhelmed by the project & push it aside. What happened to the anticipation of having a new purse? It has fallen victim to fibro-fog. There are other times when my illness steals my joy before I ever have a chance to experience it. I decline an invitation to an art exhibit because I do not know the way. (MapQuest is not helpful if I have never driven the streets before.) I reschedule or … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Articles, Attitude, Joy, Person w/ Illness, What's New? Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Giving Up

March 6, 2010 By 2 Comments

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance & the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4) Have you ever felt like simply giving up? I’m guessing that most of us faced with a chronic challenge have done so at one time or another. Sometimes the words just fall out of my mouth. “I give up.” Whether it be trying to keep the house clean, doing my exercises, dealing with pain & irregular heart beats, or even just looking at all the changes in my life – sometimes my first inclination is to simply give up. Why try? Then the realization hits me. “Giving up” is exactly what God wants me to do. But not the “giving up” that I have in … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Devotionals Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Feeling Anxious? Quick Solution

December 11, 2009 By 2 Comments

Feel anxious about something like a holiday family get together coming up? Here is a quick tip that I've found works. Escape to the bathroom for a few minutes & run warm water over your wrists for about 30 seconds. The warmth & mild pressure washing over your pulse points will help your heart slow down to the normal rate. Now you can go back out there with a smile on your face & your heart beating at a normal pulse again. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Alternative Treatments, Coping Skills, Health News, Person w/ Illness Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Is Your Church Building Safe?

November 9, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Many times we are prevented from attending to church due to everything from new carpet that has chemicals in it to mold in the walls that is making our chronic illness or chemical sensitivities worse. This article by James Rogdgers, "Blind Spots: Why we sometimes can't see problems with our facility," is an excellent viewpoint from a pastor. It's published by Christianity Today. I realized changing the nursery was not just a facility issue, but really a ministry issue. . . . With a nursery that smelled musty & had mold marks on the walls, we were sending a terrible message to visitors: "Your babies may not be safe here, & we aren't doing anything about it." Why did I miss this clear message? I love my children. I look out for their … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Advocacy, Articles, Church Leader, Friend Has Illness, Need to Know, Parent of Ill or Disabled Child, Person w/ Illness, What's New? Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Beyond My Smile

January 14, 2009 By 1 Comment

Look at me. I look normal As far as your eyes can see But hidden beyond my smile Chronic illness brings me to my knees I go about my everyday With a prayer upon my heart And pray for everything I do That this brain fog will depart I ask Him for strength that I might cope Then I pray for peace of mind I search within my soul For someone who is kind When I lay down to rest at night I pray He ll help me sleep Tuck me in & kiss my head That I will not weep With each new day comes the pain Only my physical body knows Illness is no respecter of people It latches on & there it grows You can t just share with anyone They just don t underst& Take it to the Lord in prayer And He will help you st& One day at a time … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Church Leader, Depression, Explaining Illness, Friend Has Illness, Hurt Feelings, Person w/ Illness, Poems, Spiritually Struggling, Support Group Leader, What's New? Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,