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| JrnniferSaake.com |
It's only been a 6-year process (don't ask), but I am so very excited to unveil JenniferSaake.com tonight. It's finally live!
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| JenniferSaake.com |
Go enjoy. :)
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| JenniferSaake.com |
Showing posts with label chronic pain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chronic pain. Show all posts
Sunday, March 18, 2018
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Why Given Me A Thorn Blog Was Shut Down
Back in May I disabled this blog for several months as I prayed about what to do with it. I had just undergone a solid week of intensive counseling and realized my lifetime mindset, the focus of this blog, had been more about my thorns than about the Rose of Sharron, Jesus Christ. Yes, he has been my Lord since childhood, yet I was more prone to focus on the crashing waves and trying to live my life in a way that would glorify God through the pain, rather than with my eyes firmly set on Jesus Himself and let Him unfold His grace through a life lived for Him, regardless of circumstances. Perhaps this seems like a minor semantical change, but it is a profound heart shift in me!
Starting with the very first day in my week in ministry (and continuing to this day), as I experienced significant and unexpected physical healing in several areas, I was so overwhelmed with God's goodness that I didn't have a heart for this blog anymore. If fact, the "Given Me A Thorn" book title is no longer in my plans at all. Yes, I still plan to write address the times we ask for healing and it does not come (as is still my case in some significant areas), but my title, focus, and perspective has simply been changed by the reality that I am defined by Jesus not by my thorns.
I am restoring public viewing of this blog as, within the past week, I have has three needs for public access to some of the health resources previously posted here. The "flavor" of this blog will remain focused on Christians and chronic illness, yet my tone will likely be much more in keeping with my current book title, Harvesting Hope From Heartache.
Please "like" my "Jennifer Saake, author" page at www.facebook.com/HarvestingHope for ongoing updates on all my writing news. :) I need a few thousand likes to demonstate "platform" to potential book publishers and currently only have a few hundred, so please help and pass the need along in your illness support circles!
Starting with the very first day in my week in ministry (and continuing to this day), as I experienced significant and unexpected physical healing in several areas, I was so overwhelmed with God's goodness that I didn't have a heart for this blog anymore. If fact, the "Given Me A Thorn" book title is no longer in my plans at all. Yes, I still plan to write address the times we ask for healing and it does not come (as is still my case in some significant areas), but my title, focus, and perspective has simply been changed by the reality that I am defined by Jesus not by my thorns.
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| Found on Facebook. Would dearly like to credit the artist if anyone can provide the source, please? Reminds me of the Butterflies and Battle Boots article I wrote. |
I am restoring public viewing of this blog as, within the past week, I have has three needs for public access to some of the health resources previously posted here. The "flavor" of this blog will remain focused on Christians and chronic illness, yet my tone will likely be much more in keeping with my current book title, Harvesting Hope From Heartache.
Please "like" my "Jennifer Saake, author" page at www.facebook.com/HarvestingHope for ongoing updates on all my writing news. :) I need a few thousand likes to demonstate "platform" to potential book publishers and currently only have a few hundred, so please help and pass the need along in your illness support circles!
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| Why I Wear Combat Boots |
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
HashTag ThisIsChronicIllness
It is national Invisible Illness Awareness Week.
I was prompted to share raw footage of my morning:
After watching this clever, poignant and entertaining clip yesterday:
An hour later, I recorded Part 2 of my morning:
As a video link, in words, whatever, please share your experience with hidden illness in the comments!
After watching this clever, poignant and entertaining clip yesterday:
An hour later, I recorded Part 2 of my morning:
As a video link, in words, whatever, please share your experience with hidden illness in the comments!
Friday, August 19, 2016
Pain Scale
I have been a health blogger (though right now this blog is fairly quiet while my stroke blog sees most of my active posting) for almost as many years as blogging has been a platform. You could say that I am a "professional patient." This is certainly not that I WANT to be, simply a description of reality after living with various health challenges nearly since birth, the full-blown onset of chronic illnesses in my late teens, a decade of infertility and recurrent miscarriage, severe allergies such as anaphylaxis toward balloons (and other latex), then six strokes in my late 30s. By my mid 40s, I've seen the inside of more ambulances, emergency rooms, hospital rooms, doctors offices, labs, MRIs and other testing machines and equipment, been stuck with more needles, than anyone would hope to experience in twice as many years, far more than most people do in a full lifetime!
For all that experience, I have never had a good grasp on the dreaded "pain scale," that row of happy through sad faces that's supposed to represent my current levels of pain in answer to the care giver's inquiry.
Finally I found point-by-point explanations of each and every point on the scale. I wish every hospital, every doctor's office, across the country, had a laminated copy of this exact chart, hanging in the office, to put in our hands when asking this question. I believe we all would receive much better quality of care if we all were "speaking the same language" when it came to our pain!
To my surprise, after being told countless times that I have an unusually high pain threshold and tolerance, I found that I often report my pain level as "too high, according to this chart that rates unmedicated natural childbirth as a solid 8. I figure if I often mis-report, you likely do too!
It was also vindicating to see several areas where I, trying to rate my pain purely on a "sliding scale" of percentages of raw pain as relevant to other experiences of pain, also have inaccurately "undervalued" my entire pain experience.
I've printed this out to carry in my purse. Next time I'm asked this question, I can point to a precise answer and let my care-giver see exactly what my answer means.
Thank you Pro Health (link to this image in full size)!!! Take time to read the "pitfalls" information at the end please, too.
For all that experience, I have never had a good grasp on the dreaded "pain scale," that row of happy through sad faces that's supposed to represent my current levels of pain in answer to the care giver's inquiry.
Finally I found point-by-point explanations of each and every point on the scale. I wish every hospital, every doctor's office, across the country, had a laminated copy of this exact chart, hanging in the office, to put in our hands when asking this question. I believe we all would receive much better quality of care if we all were "speaking the same language" when it came to our pain!
To my surprise, after being told countless times that I have an unusually high pain threshold and tolerance, I found that I often report my pain level as "too high, according to this chart that rates unmedicated natural childbirth as a solid 8. I figure if I often mis-report, you likely do too!
It was also vindicating to see several areas where I, trying to rate my pain purely on a "sliding scale" of percentages of raw pain as relevant to other experiences of pain, also have inaccurately "undervalued" my entire pain experience.
I've printed this out to carry in my purse. Next time I'm asked this question, I can point to a precise answer and let my care-giver see exactly what my answer means.
Thank you Pro Health (link to this image in full size)!!! Take time to read the "pitfalls" information at the end please, too.
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Book Give-away!
Sorry the cover is backwards. My laptop takes mirror image photos! If there is a way to "flip" them, I sure have never discovered that feature. Keep reading to learn how to enter (once or lots of times)to win a free copy of this book!
Extended Entry Deadline: To enter, please leave a comment (including a valid email address to contact you if you win) on this post prior to Christmas Day, 2015! I'll send out a notification email and post the winner here by Dec.28. You will have 48 hours to respond with your mailing address or I'll need to select a new winner. That's it. EASY. (Keep reading for more chances to enter.)
You can see my dear friend Shelly Benoit Hendricks's correct book cover for her 30 devotional collection for newly diagnosed patients, "You're Chronically Ill...So Now What?" at http://amzn.to/21Mp2T7 or visit the You're Chronically Ill. Now What? facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/YoureChronicallyIllNowWhat.
For additional enteritis, please share this post widely, on Facebook, pinterest, twitter, your blog, wherever. Leave an additional post each time you do!
Saturday, March 8, 2014
What NOT to Say
Here's a helpful article: 12 Things You Should Never Say to A Person With A Chronic Health Condition
{God} takes no pleasure in the strength of a horse or in human might. No, the Lord's delight is in those who fear Him, those who put their hope in His unfailing love. Psalm 147:10-11
{God} takes no pleasure in the strength of a horse or in human might. No, the Lord's delight is in those who fear Him, those who put their hope in His unfailing love. Psalm 147:10-11
Friday, November 22, 2013
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Invisible Illness Awareness Week
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| From Facebook ;) |
Welcome to all new visitors due to this chat! If you are looking for my Given Me a Thorn Facebook page, please take a moment to look around here, read some history and links from the sidebar, then head to https://www.facebook.com/GivenMeaThorn. :)
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| From Facebook |
So why did I not post in advance? Let simply say I have time management issues. ;) I was busy updating my stroke description until about 20 minutes before we went live, then I still had to review all my interview questions (that I've had since last night, but didn't bother even opening until 10:40 for an 11am chat!
From Facebook
Did you know that one in two people suffers from some kind of hidden disability. So if it is not you, there is know doubt that a friend or family member is living with an invisible illness! I give an example of hidden disability here. Have you read The Spoon Theory yet? It may really help you understand!
Facebook
It was discussed on chat today, that if you want to become more public about your invisible illness, you might want to find something that is attention grabber, that invites conversation, and make it your trademark so that people will ask you about the unusual item, giving you a chance to share about your experiences. One lady says she daily wears a spoon-shaped pin so that people wonder and ask about. I wear combat boots. :) Do you have an idea to suggest of an every-day item to draw attention to or explain your illness? Please share!
Friday, April 19, 2013
New and Rare
Well, I thought I was out of the world of "chronic illness" in the sense that over two decades of ME/CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) seems to be mostly behind me, or at least about 90% in remission for over a year now.
I knew I was still dealing with numerous chronic disabilities and pain conditions in the wake of my strokes (several fairly significant ones listed at http://strokeofgrace.blogspot.com if you care to read), but I thought that was about it.
Nope, I was just diagnosed this week with a new rare disease, hypoparathyroidism. (I didn't know until this week that we even had parathyroid glads, about 4 of them, rice-sized, attached to the back side of the thyroid gland.) Apparently it is a pretty big deal when they don't work properly, and that mine are under-productive in the PTH hormone, answers so many medical questions. Now if only there were an easy fix... I've already had one lovely allergic reaction to an attempted intervention this week, so we are regrouping and my doctor is coming up with a new battle plan. It will likely take months or years to find a workable solution.
We honestly don't know what caused me to face this ailment. It typically happens in conjunction with thyroid issues, or more commonly, as a result of the removal of these tiny glands in thyroid surgery, something that I have not undergone. I personally believe the level of parathyroid imbalance that we are seeing, that my doctor terms "remarkable," is likely stroke-related (or may have been a mild issue for years, even possibly since birth, but certainly seems severely aggravated into much more significant imbalance by the strokes), but both the kinds of strokes and the type of parathyroid issues we are finding are each so rare, in and of themselves, that no one has yet been able to confirm my theory that the parathyroid issues have developed or intensified due to the strokes. (See update note at the end of page for one possible reason.)
Thankfully God knows, has it all in His control, none of this takes Him my any kind of surprise, and we can trust Him to lead us each step of the way in looking toward new answers.
Update, posted to my stroke blog, July, 2013:
I need to talk over with my endocrinologist about my insistence that my hypoPARAthyroid issues are somehow stroke related. None of my doctors could see how, and yet I know my body too well to think the timing is just all coincidental. Doing research within the last couple of weeks, I found the potential link between repressed PTH (ParaThyroid Hormone) and Aspirin (I take 2, low dose, per day to keep my blood thin enough to not clot the surgery site of my artery). I brought this possibility up to my neurologist, and while we both agree that the Asprin therapy remains critical and is not optional for me, he does believe there is real merit to my theory that this is the cause of my PTH repression. I will talk over this idea with my endocrinologist at my next appointment in September.
I knew I was still dealing with numerous chronic disabilities and pain conditions in the wake of my strokes (several fairly significant ones listed at http://strokeofgrace.blogspot.com if you care to read), but I thought that was about it.
Nope, I was just diagnosed this week with a new rare disease, hypoparathyroidism. (I didn't know until this week that we even had parathyroid glads, about 4 of them, rice-sized, attached to the back side of the thyroid gland.) Apparently it is a pretty big deal when they don't work properly, and that mine are under-productive in the PTH hormone, answers so many medical questions. Now if only there were an easy fix... I've already had one lovely allergic reaction to an attempted intervention this week, so we are regrouping and my doctor is coming up with a new battle plan. It will likely take months or years to find a workable solution.
We honestly don't know what caused me to face this ailment. It typically happens in conjunction with thyroid issues, or more commonly, as a result of the removal of these tiny glands in thyroid surgery, something that I have not undergone. I personally believe the level of parathyroid imbalance that we are seeing, that my doctor terms "remarkable," is likely stroke-related (or may have been a mild issue for years, even possibly since birth, but certainly seems severely aggravated into much more significant imbalance by the strokes), but both the kinds of strokes and the type of parathyroid issues we are finding are each so rare, in and of themselves, that no one has yet been able to confirm my theory that the parathyroid issues have developed or intensified due to the strokes. (See update note at the end of page for one possible reason.)
Thankfully God knows, has it all in His control, none of this takes Him my any kind of surprise, and we can trust Him to lead us each step of the way in looking toward new answers.
I need to talk over with my endocrinologist about my insistence that my hypoPARAthyroid issues are somehow stroke related. None of my doctors could see how, and yet I know my body too well to think the timing is just all coincidental. Doing research within the last couple of weeks, I found the potential link between repressed PTH (ParaThyroid Hormone) and Aspirin (I take 2, low dose, per day to keep my blood thin enough to not clot the surgery site of my artery). I brought this possibility up to my neurologist, and while we both agree that the Asprin therapy remains critical and is not optional for me, he does believe there is real merit to my theory that this is the cause of my PTH repression. I will talk over this idea with my endocrinologist at my next appointment in September.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Focus
I almost tossed this picture. The rose is all out of focus! In fact, the only thing my eye can clearly make out is the background, and look at all those nasty thorns!
Oh wait. Isn't this a perfect picture of my life sometimes? So often I miss out on the amazing beauty and blessings right before me because I'm focusing on the annoying, the irritating, the ugly, the painful.
Lord, please help me to remember that even when you give thorns, they are always accompanied by gifts of grace. Sometimes I may have to work harder to adjust my focus than other times, but when I look for your blessings, they are always there.
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Thank you to my sweet friend Abby of Mavora Art and Design who took this idea and made it into my beautiful new header! Feel free to visit her website or follow her on Facebook.
Oh wait. Isn't this a perfect picture of my life sometimes? So often I miss out on the amazing beauty and blessings right before me because I'm focusing on the annoying, the irritating, the ugly, the painful.
Lord, please help me to remember that even when you give thorns, they are always accompanied by gifts of grace. Sometimes I may have to work harder to adjust my focus than other times, but when I look for your blessings, they are always there.
I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan's angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn't think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me,
My grace is enough; it's all you need.
My strength comes into its own in your weakness.
Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.
- 2 Corinthians 12:7b-10 (The Message)
Thank you to my sweet friend Abby of Mavora Art and Design who took this idea and made it into my beautiful new header! Feel free to visit her website or follow her on Facebook.
Monday, September 12, 2011
National Invisible Chronic Illness Week
Welcome to National Invisible Chronic Illness Week (Invisible Illness Week, or IIW for short)! Please join me in watching this video produced by my dear friend, Lisa Copen, founder of both Rest Ministries and IIW.
How will you observe IIW? What can you do to spread awareness, comfort, or simply snuggle into the resources and reality or hope and support extended to you?
Monday, August 8, 2011
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: International Consensus Criteria
Could "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome" finally be loosing its ambiguous "fatigue" label? We can only hope that this is a step in the right direction!
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: International Consensus Criteria - Carruthers - Journal of Internal Medicine - Wiley Online Library
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: International Consensus Criteria - Carruthers - Journal of Internal Medicine - Wiley Online Library
Friday, August 5, 2011
Being Whole
I am in pain, sick, frail, homebound, bedbound, without great possibility or potential in my future.
In all of that, I am whole. I am complete. I am exactly what God made me to be in the exact time He created me to be it...
To read more reflections on what it means to be "whole" and how we can get there even in the midst of illness (not to mention validation for putting up with all those who tell us that wholeness will come through their sure cures), visit Gitz today and read about Whole.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Fibromyalgia
I try not to post identical (or even highly similar) content to two or more of my blogs, but since today's post over at InfertilityMom is more health-related than not, I thought my readers here at GivenMeaThorn might appreciate it as well. For the few of you who happen to subscribe to both, thank you for your patient indulgence in my cross-posting. :)
While it's my personal blog rather than my primary health blog, I am honored to learn today that InfertilityMom has been selected as #22 in the top 100 blogs at 100 Best Sites for Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Information. Thank you! :)
My mom's just completed her 2nd week at week at FibroInnovations. She's sore from all the work they are doing on her, but the results have already been more than we had dared to hope, and she still has another 10 weeks of on site treatment to go before several months of at-home follow-up. After basically falling into this treatment in a way that can only be described as Providential, it truly seems that it is an answer to our prayers for her after over 20 years of pain! Here she is with Dr. Kingston. I will admit that our family was highly skeptical about this program in the beginning, after too many years of "sure cures," but hearing the hope in her voice now makes me feel like this really is going to be a life-altering change for the positive for her.
Speaking of hope and life-altering changes, will you help me keep fighting for change by using your facebook account to join me in daily voting for the Whittemore Peterson Institute? If they can hold onto their current #1 spot in the Pacific region through August 27, they will win $100,000 of desperately needed research funding. If we could move them up from their current 6th place (contest-wide) into first there as well, they would be awarded $250,000. Voting will only take moments from your day and every vote counts! You can learn more about the importance of the Whittemore Peterson Institute in my life by reading back through my many posts on XMRV.
While it's my personal blog rather than my primary health blog, I am honored to learn today that InfertilityMom has been selected as #22 in the top 100 blogs at 100 Best Sites for Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Information. Thank you! :)
My mom's just completed her 2nd week at week at FibroInnovations. She's sore from all the work they are doing on her, but the results have already been more than we had dared to hope, and she still has another 10 weeks of on site treatment to go before several months of at-home follow-up. After basically falling into this treatment in a way that can only be described as Providential, it truly seems that it is an answer to our prayers for her after over 20 years of pain! Here she is with Dr. Kingston. I will admit that our family was highly skeptical about this program in the beginning, after too many years of "sure cures," but hearing the hope in her voice now makes me feel like this really is going to be a life-altering change for the positive for her.
Speaking of hope and life-altering changes, will you help me keep fighting for change by using your facebook account to join me in daily voting for the Whittemore Peterson Institute? If they can hold onto their current #1 spot in the Pacific region through August 27, they will win $100,000 of desperately needed research funding. If we could move them up from their current 6th place (contest-wide) into first there as well, they would be awarded $250,000. Voting will only take moments from your day and every vote counts! You can learn more about the importance of the Whittemore Peterson Institute in my life by reading back through my many posts on XMRV.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Easy Activism
Did you know that 30 seconds of your time could make a $500,000 difference?
If you have a Facebook account (or know someone who does, or you are considering getting one), please keep reading! If you followed this blog very long at all, you've heard me mention the Whittemore Peterson Institute many times. I am so very thankful for this research organization and the hope they bring to not only me personally, but to millions with M.E., CFS, Fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, Gulf War Illness, a-typical MS, Autism, and more.
The Whittemore Peterson Institute (WPI) is 1 out of 100 charities that won a $25,000.00 grant during the first round of Chase Community Giving. Now, WPI is competing for a $500,000.00 grant, and you can help! Please cast your vote, ask your Facebook friends to vote, and spread the word about the important work of WPI. If you have a Facebook account, please cast your vote for WPI by following the instructions below through May 25th at 9 pm PST. (Just under 4 days left!)
STEP-BY-STEP Instructions:
1. From your Facebook page, go to Chase Community Giving: http://www.facebook.com/ChaseCommunityGiving.
2. "Like" Chase Community Giving by clicking on the "Like" button.
3. Now search for Whittemore Peterson Institute for Neuro-Immune Disease.
4. Cast your vote for WPI by clicking the "Vote Now!" button.
5. Please remember our neuro-immune disease community and share in the Love and Giving by voting for other organizations who speak to your heart -- you can vote for up to 5 organizations per Facebook account.
CHASE COMMUNITY GIVING: BIG IDEA
http://www.wpinstitute.org/help/index.html#chasegiving
If you have a Facebook account (or know someone who does, or you are considering getting one), please keep reading! If you followed this blog very long at all, you've heard me mention the Whittemore Peterson Institute many times. I am so very thankful for this research organization and the hope they bring to not only me personally, but to millions with M.E., CFS, Fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, Gulf War Illness, a-typical MS, Autism, and more.
The Whittemore Peterson Institute (WPI) is 1 out of 100 charities that won a $25,000.00 grant during the first round of Chase Community Giving. Now, WPI is competing for a $500,000.00 grant, and you can help! Please cast your vote, ask your Facebook friends to vote, and spread the word about the important work of WPI. If you have a Facebook account, please cast your vote for WPI by following the instructions below through May 25th at 9 pm PST. (Just under 4 days left!)
STEP-BY-STEP Instructions:
1. From your Facebook page, go to Chase Community Giving: http://www.facebook.com/ChaseCommunityGiving.
2. "Like" Chase Community Giving by clicking on the "Like" button.
3. Now search for Whittemore Peterson Institute for Neuro-Immune Disease.
4. Cast your vote for WPI by clicking the "Vote Now!" button.
5. Please remember our neuro-immune disease community and share in the Love and Giving by voting for other organizations who speak to your heart -- you can vote for up to 5 organizations per Facebook account.
CHASE COMMUNITY GIVING: BIG IDEA
The Whittemore Peterson Institute for Neuro-Immune Disease (WPI) was created to answer a critical need for discovery and medical treatments for those with serious illnesses that impact the body and the brain. These often debilitating and life-long diseases, including M.E., CFS, fibromyalgia, post Lyme disease, GWI and autism, have too few medical solutions. WPI continues to make significant strides through the work of our innovative research program.
Translating novel research into effective patient treatments for millions around the world will begin with the opening of our 10,000 sq. ft. medical facility. Here we can engage in revealing clinical trials and provide on site care to those who are unable to afford care. We require funding for initial expenses and to establish a patient fund. WPI’s commitment to discovery has already inspired much hope worldwide. Now it is time to put hope into action by offering meaningful patient care to these under-served populations.
http://www.wpinstitute.org/help/index.html#chasegiving
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Explaining Fibromyalgia
I just read a great explanation of Fibromyalgia over on the Faith, Family and Fibromyalgia blog. If you have Fibro, the illustrations will resound with you and possibly give you a simple word picture to use to help explain yourself to others. If you don't have Fibro, this story may give you more understanding for your friend or loved one who does. You'll want to read the whole article in detail, but here's a taste:
Just two more days until Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Day. The Whittemore Peterson Institute (WPI) is building an international network of Advocates who are dedicated to finding a cure for neuro-immune diseases (NID). Learn about May Awareness at ANIDA.
Imagine you’re planning a party and expecting about 20 guests. Three or four friends told you they’d come early to help you out. But they don’t show, and instead of 20 guests, you get 100. You’re overwhelmed.
That’s what’s happening with pain signals in someone who has fibromyalgia. The cells send too many pain messages (party guests), up to five times as many as in a healthy person. That can turn mild pressure or even an itch into pain. When those pain signals reach the brain, they’re processed by something called serotonin. People with fibromyalgia, however, don’t have enough serotonin (the friends who didn’t show up to help), leaving the brain overwhelmed.
This is why people with fibromyalgia have pain in tissues that show no sign of damage. It’s not imagined pain; it’s misinterpreted sensation that the brain turns into actual pain. Other substances in the patient’s brain amplify a host of other signals — essentially, “turning up the volume” of everything. That can include light, noise and odor on top of pain, and it can further overload the brain...
Just two more days until Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Day. The Whittemore Peterson Institute (WPI) is building an international network of Advocates who are dedicated to finding a cure for neuro-immune diseases (NID). Learn about May Awareness at ANIDA.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Burden Bearers
Who are your Burden Bearers? The ones who truly understand you? Who walk beside you? Who either "get" you at a heart level, or at least honestly admit that they can't but try to listen with compassion anyway?
Do you have someone like that in your life? I hope so! I know not everyone does. :( If you don't, please share how I can be praying for and with you!
I've been blessed with some wonderful Burden Bearers in my life. Not always. And not at every painful season I've ever walked. But on the grand scale I've been blessed non-the-less, probably more than most.
Even when others where there, trying to care, they did not always do so perfectly, sometimes unintentionally hurting me along the way. As one friend described it, "It's like two porcupines trying to give one another a hug." Sometimes we hurt those we most love, through the very acts we offer out of desire to comfort.
Today I want to take a moment and stop to say thank you to one very precious Burden Bearer I am blessed to also call, "Mom." I was thrilled to learn today that an essay I wrote about the way she has walked with me through Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has been selected as one of the top five finalists in the very first "Fibromyalgia Mom of the Year" contest!
Would you please take a moment to read about Betty Camp, my amazing mom, at the National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association? And if you are willing to take just a couple moments more, I would greatly appreciate if you would register for a username (you will be required to supply an email address, but can uncheck any auto-subscriptions for email) and then give Mom's story a 5-star rating! The grand prize winner will be determined by public vote between now and May 9, with the final decision announced on May 12, 2011, national Fibromyalgia and CFIDS Awarness Day.
Do you have someone like that in your life? I hope so! I know not everyone does. :( If you don't, please share how I can be praying for and with you!
I've been blessed with some wonderful Burden Bearers in my life. Not always. And not at every painful season I've ever walked. But on the grand scale I've been blessed non-the-less, probably more than most.
Even when others where there, trying to care, they did not always do so perfectly, sometimes unintentionally hurting me along the way. As one friend described it, "It's like two porcupines trying to give one another a hug." Sometimes we hurt those we most love, through the very acts we offer out of desire to comfort.
Today I want to take a moment and stop to say thank you to one very precious Burden Bearer I am blessed to also call, "Mom." I was thrilled to learn today that an essay I wrote about the way she has walked with me through Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has been selected as one of the top five finalists in the very first "Fibromyalgia Mom of the Year" contest!
Would you please take a moment to read about Betty Camp, my amazing mom, at the National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association? And if you are willing to take just a couple moments more, I would greatly appreciate if you would register for a username (you will be required to supply an email address, but can uncheck any auto-subscriptions for email) and then give Mom's story a 5-star rating! The grand prize winner will be determined by public vote between now and May 9, with the final decision announced on May 12, 2011, national Fibromyalgia and CFIDS Awarness Day.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
When God Says No
Why would God say "no" to a good request? To a request like Paul's for the removal of his thorn? For our requests for healing?
This week Lysa TerKeurst said, "When God says no, we are sometimes tempted to wonder if He loves us. In reality, it’s because He loves us, He sometimes says no."
To illustrate this she gave a beautiful word picture of how a cake may look done 2/3 of the way through allotted baking time, but if it's pulled from the oven too soon, it collapses. She writes, "The cake couldn’t withstand the pressure of an undone center… and neither can we.
"If we obsess over the cake and make it our whole focus, character atrophies. If we make growing in godliness our obsession and keep our focus on God, our character matures. And a mature character makes for a solid and well done center."
The rest of Lysa's post can be found here: Escaping the Rut of Want
I've said over and over that I believe pain is a gift, though certainly an odd one. The thing that makes it a gift is the way it drives us to dependence on God. If I'm fixated only on my illness, or my desire to be well, I miss out on God's best for me right here, right now, right in the heart of living these trials.
This week Lysa TerKeurst said, "When God says no, we are sometimes tempted to wonder if He loves us. In reality, it’s because He loves us, He sometimes says no."
To illustrate this she gave a beautiful word picture of how a cake may look done 2/3 of the way through allotted baking time, but if it's pulled from the oven too soon, it collapses. She writes, "The cake couldn’t withstand the pressure of an undone center… and neither can we.
"If we obsess over the cake and make it our whole focus, character atrophies. If we make growing in godliness our obsession and keep our focus on God, our character matures. And a mature character makes for a solid and well done center."
The rest of Lysa's post can be found here: Escaping the Rut of Want
I've said over and over that I believe pain is a gift, though certainly an odd one. The thing that makes it a gift is the way it drives us to dependence on God. If I'm fixated only on my illness, or my desire to be well, I miss out on God's best for me right here, right now, right in the heart of living these trials.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Chronic Grace
A guest post by David J. Hall.
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
- Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)
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About our Guest Author:
David J. Hall battles Fibromyalgia with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, diagnosed in 2000 after many tests ruled out other things. "I have been a pastor my whole adult life, and could no longer work as of Sept. 2006 due to my illness.
"My mom and dad say that my pulpit is now my bed, from which I write notes on Facebook (please request a friendship if you would like) and articles on my blog."
The Chronic Grace of God
I have found the Scriptures to be absolutely true when the Lord told the Apostle Paul (who was being tormented by a "thorn in the flesh") that God's grace would be sufficient for his journey of suffering and pain.
While I suffer with chronic pain (and sometimes outright agony), I am at the same time blessed by God's chronic grace (if I may phrase it that way) which is more real to me than even the pain. In a sense, the pain is almost surreal, but God's grace is so real, and is provided through His tangible Presence!
His grace does not take my pain away. His grace does however equip me physically, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually to endure the pain, and to do so with a heart that is filled with joy and is established in peace... His peace!
If you suffer with a chronic pain condition of some kind, first pray for healing, and then pray for the "chronic" grace of God to sustain you until His healing arrives in your life.
See you at the altar, my friend, where we together will approach our gracious Heavenly Father Who will provide all that we need!!
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
- Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)
------
About our Guest Author:
David J. Hall battles Fibromyalgia with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, diagnosed in 2000 after many tests ruled out other things. "I have been a pastor my whole adult life, and could no longer work as of Sept. 2006 due to my illness.
"My mom and dad say that my pulpit is now my bed, from which I write notes on Facebook (please request a friendship if you would like) and articles on my blog."
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