Throwing the First Stone*

In John 8:1-11, People wanted to stone a woman for committing adultery. Yet Jesus said that whoever is without sin, cast the first stone.

Everyone Left.

How many of us would be in that same position of wanting to condemn others when we have sin in our own life?

hmmm, that is something to think about...

You can read about the incident below:

"...

 At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group  and said to Jesus, 'Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery.  In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?' ...

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger.  When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, .“Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there.  Jesus straightened up and asked her, 'Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?'

'No one, sir,' she said.

'Then neither do I condemn you,' Jesus declared. 'Go now and leave your life of sin.'"  John 8:1-11  (NIV)

Cheer Up*

Do you ever feel like you are going through hard times? Does it seem like it's just one bad thing after the other?


"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4 NIV

I know it can be hard to be joyful when you deal with a bunch of trials and tribulations.  Sometimes things get me down...yet at other times, when I have things happen, I just have to laugh, chuckle, or hangout with people who help me laugh...It's not good to be away from everyone when one is dealing with a lot of hardship.  People are surprised what I deal with on a daily basis because I laugh.  I have learned to find things to laugh about.  

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and 
the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in 
any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV

Learn from what you deal with. If you have a lot of hardships, try to encourage other people 
with what you have learned from all that you have gone through.  and Remember to lean on 
God through it all.

"In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had 
to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.  These have come so that the proven 
genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though 
refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see 
him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 
for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls."  
1 Peter 1:6-9 NIV

We grow from hardships.  Our faith grows, wisdom grows, and we spiritually 
mature.  Remember to persevere, persevere, and better yet, persevere... 
and be joyful.

Don't Let Your Heart Be Troubled*

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also."John 14:1-3 (NKJV)

Our God has a place for each of us in Heaven, if we have received His salvation.  

Heaven is real and breathtakingly beautiful.  

God will welcome us into Heaven some day with our changed bodies.

That means, no more pain or suffering.

There won't be any sadness, loss of jobs, or loss of loved ones.

There won't be sorrow or any hard feelings of ex-spouses or unmet child support to deal with.

We won't deal with divorces nor deal with being considered single or married. We will all have the same status.

We won't long for anything; for everything we will need, we will have.

God has a place for you in Heaven. Are you ready for His return?

Are you ready for God to welcome you into eternity even if it's sooner than you think.

Remember not everyone who goes to church is a christian.  People sometimes pretend and then when they leave the property, they don't live a christian life.  There were times in my own life that I went to church, but I wasn't a "christian." I had to rededicate my life back to God several times in my life because I wasn't living a godly life.

Remember John 3:16,

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."(NKJV)

God is opening up His arms to accept you.  God loves you and has a place for you in Heaven.

Child-like Faith*

"He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them.  And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me."Matt 18:2-5 


We need to be child-like in our faith. 
What does that mean?
How are we to be child-like?
What does a child do?
How does a child act?
Whom does a child trust?

A child totally believes and trusts everything you tell them. They come out into the world believing that what their parents tell them is the way to live.  They totally trust you when they jump into your arms. They don't waiver in their belief of you.
They do what you ask them to do because they believe and have total faith that their parents know best.  They soak up everything your parents say.  They ask questions and are curious especially around 2 years of age.  They learn from what is around them and their environment.

Are we to God like a child is to his parents?
Do we listen and learn from God?
Do we believe God totally?
If He says jump, do we believe He will catch us?
or are we afraid?
If He gives us money, do we follow him on how to spend it?

If He gives us talents do we use them wholeheartedly and allow him to teach us to use them better?
If he puts us in charge of things, do we lead like he taught us or do we go on our own?
Do we mimic God like a child mimics his parents?
Do we follow His lead?
Is God our role model?



picture by photobucket.com

Are you content?*

What makes you happy, content, and joyful? People always say the grass looks greener on the other
side. Why is that? Why do we tend to want things that we don't have? Or if we are single, we want to be married...if we are married, we want to be single...if we have short, straight hair, we want long, curly hair? Why are we like that???

What is contentment? It is a state of happiness and satisfaction (www.google.com).Are you content in this life? Or are you miserable in wanting so much more of what you don't have? I have learned to be content in the circumstances that I have gained. Yes, even now there are times, that I deeply desire that I was healed of all these ailments, or wish I had  a husband or child.  Yet I have learned to be content.  I used to be so frustrated with God that I wanted to get married or be pain free, that it actually was eating up at my heart and mind.  I had to learn and grow in God with what was given to me in this life.  I had to realize that for some reason in the past, I have had to endure many hardships.  I didn't like going through it, but I had to endure them to help me be who I am today.  I know that God can take away all my pains in just a blink of an eye, but I also know that He has us go through things to help grow us spiritually far more than we can ever comprehend.

Learn to be content

What Will Heaven be Like?*

Will our Heavenly bodies glow or be see through?
Will we be free from pain or ailments, aches, and suffering? (oh yes)
Will we still have teeth, hair, or even fingernails?
Will we have to clean our spiritual bodies and teeth?

When we eat the fruit in Heaven, will we feel full?
Will we bathe in the crystal waters?
Will anyone value gold there?

What will Heaven be like?
Will there be water falls and rain?
Thunderstorms and hail?
Will there be weeds and thorns?
Will we work?
Will someone's job be pulling weeds from the garden?
Will we have to clean up after ourselves?
Will aborted babies be child-like, or have spiritually mature bodies?

Will there be books to read?
Or will we not need to learn anything?
Will we have lions for pets?
Will we need to change our spiritual clothes?
Will we have to exercise?
What will we look like?
How will we act?
What will we do?

Here is a glimpse of Heaven:

"Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.  No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.  They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever." Revelation 22:1-5 (NIV) 

The Spoon Theory by *Christine Miserandino

If you want to know how people deal with or understand debilitating Chronic Pain, Check this article out about the Spoon Theory. I didn't write it but it is very interesting.  Please click on this:

The Spoon Theory by Christine Miserandino

Got Weed? *

Got Weed? How About Medical Marijuana?
Cannabis, medical marijuana, Mary Jane, hookah, hit, M.J., pot, dope, grass, weed, etc...Whatever you call it, it's out there. These days it seems to be such a controversial issue because of the effects of altering the brain to take away the pain verses the fact that it's a drug and we are to say no to drugs.

I have had several people tell me that I am a perfect candidate for medical Marijuana because of the major health issues that I endure.  It would probably be easy for me to get a "medical weed card" and get as much weed as I need.

Recently one of my friends gave me a little marijuana to help with the pain. He even made a pipe and gave me a lighter as a special gift.  I opened the package and it smelled like skunk.That was the worse smelling stuff I ever did smell. I just laughed; I have a strong sense of smell and if I was to smoke it, I knew that I wouldn't be able to handle the awful smell.  I don't know why people smoke skunk weed. yucky

I have had several people tell me that I don't have to smoke it; I can actually bake with it. I am thinking I don't want to ruin food, that skunk smell will probably not go away. I was even told to roll it up in some cheese and eat it. (And no I am not following the "wrong crowd" I just have people in my life that are really concerned about me and want me to have relief from all the horrible pain I have been in. I appreciate their heart...but I just couldn't get myself to do it.)

I don't know why, but everyone seems to suggest to bake them in brownies. I know brownies are my favorite dessert, but I don't want to ruin them. After contemplating it, I just couldn't get myself to take the weed.  If other people take it for pain, that's between them and God, and I don't judge them for it. I know what it is to be in so much pain that you want to do anything to get rid of the pain, but I also know that for me, I just didn't feel God wanted me to go that route.

What are your thoughts about Medical Marijuana?

Photo is by photobucket.com Medical Marijuana photo (photobucket.com)

What You See is *NOT* Always What You Get*

Okay, when you look at me, what do you see? I am not talking about the pretty brown hair, God created me with, or the eyes that change colors of green or blue. I am not even talking about the artist that I am or the fact that I am a Christian.  When you see me, what do you see?  Do you see the physical pain I am in? Some people get tired of hearing about it, but they don't live with what I do. They don't live in this painful body that is covering my soul and spirit.  They talk to me, and then go on their merry way to work, the store, school, or even church and forget about it, while I am trying to live with what was given to me.

Some pains can be obvious if one is in a cast, has a wheel chair, or is limping on one leg. Most people understand these kinds of people. They move out of their way for them. They let them go first in line.  The bus driver makes sure the ramp on the bus is down especially for them. People even have more compassion when they walk in the crosswalk, wait in line at the store, or use a handicapped placard.

When I tell people what I deal with, their immediate reaction is, "Well, you don't look sick." -or- "You look well"  -or- "You look pretty" as though pretty people can not have health issues. -or- "but you look so young." Yes, I am a young one, or um, actually I am not even a young adult anymore, but I look young. Just because someone "looks well" doesn't mean they are.  It's like just because you see or don't see something, doesn't mean it's what you think it is. Have you heard of, "don't judge the book by it's cover?"  What you see, is not always what you get.

Well, for those of you who don't know what I have or deal with including Fibromyalgia, this is just a glimpse of it all.  So when you are lying in bed about to have a restful sleep, or about to go to work, or enjoy fun filled time and adventure, please remember to pray for those of us who have the silent illnesses that you just don't see. Remember just because you can't see pain, doesn't mean the horrible pain we deal with, is not there...Okay here is just a glimpse of what "I" deal with:

My eyes have gray spots in my vision causing confusion of what I see or what appears to be blind spots, but when doctors do the tests, they can't find the blind spots. Doctors can't seem to figure out what's wrong with my vision. I also get visual migraines at times. It's the migraines without the pain that affects my eyes. 

My feet problems are no joke. I have about 6 things wrong with my feet. It hurts when I walk; hurts when I wear shoes. It seems so complicated.

My head has a mind of it's own (and hopefully it's mine. ha ha). There's the chronic headaches that lead to migraine-like headaches. They affect my Vision, Thinking Process, and Comprehension. Plus   headaches shoot pain throughout my body. I have had a headache for over 18 years and it doesn't go away.

My jaw is a mess. It hurts to do any jaw movement and I am not even talking about the muscles in the mouth or the muscle spasms in the jaw joint. I have extreme joint pain. There is the  Degenerative Joint disease, degenerative arthritis plus the torn disks.  My jaw is no longer in alignment and is not Asymmetric-- (It's longer on one side of jaw than the other) because of all the jaw problems I have encountered. The doctor said when I open my mouth, I am basically injuring one side of my jaw, and when I close my mouth, I am injuring the other side.  How often do we eat, sing, chew, drink, sip, talk, hum, or open and close our mouth in a day? Too many times for me to voice it out.

I have excellent and heightened hearing which is why I wear ear plugs; yet I can't always decipher what people say to me. High pitch sounds are the worst for me. Everything seems to echo in my ears.

Neck: Have knots in neck accompanied with muscles spasms; All vertebras, except one, are in incorrect position. Have arthritis in back of neck causes burning pain.

        

Vertigo (dizziness, Unbalance, unsteady feeling with nausea that lasts from 5 minutes up to 3 months.

Then there is the Myofascial pain syndrome, the chronic pain syndrome, and the fibromyalgia. I have painful muscle spasms from head to toe all the time, yet sometimes it gets worse. Just walking causes extreme pain.

Skin hurts; just wearing clothes especially waist bands make it hurt more (and yes I wear clothes all the time. lol). Skin feels like it's burning and/or itching and yet at other times it feels like bugs crawling all over my arms and legs. Believe me, it's a weird sensation. It even hurts to touch, but please don't stop giving me hugs. Just don't give me the kind that are squeezable. If I accidentally bump something lightly, it causes excruciating pain and may even leave a bruise.

If you see me with a sweater, I am not necessarily cold. I have to put something over my skin when the air conditioner or breeze is on me because the pain may increase.  Yet please don't assume that I want the air conditioner off because I am temperature sensitive.  If it's too hot, I can't handle it either.

There are "tender points" in my body when touched, rubbed, or bumped wrong and can cause me to want to cry out. I tend to be lightheaded so I end up bumping into things easily so I can cause even more pain without meaning to.          

There are times I have unusual things happen like every once in a while, I will have sharp pain in my chestwall that hurts when I take a breath. I try not to be vocal but when it happens, I tend to cry out.  Other times, certain parts of my body will become numb.

There is the forgetfulness, the short term memory, the fibro fog, the words get twisted when I speak...And if I have a pen and paper out, please do not discourage me of taking notes, because I will forget something important if I don't.  Please don't assume that if you can remember it that I will.

My energy is depleted. It is hard to stand up sometimes because the body gets so worn out from fighting the battling war of pain.  If I hang out, go to the movies, go to church, or just take a walk, I may have to rest awhile to gain my energy back and calm the muscle spasms.

Sleep: What is it? I haven't slept well on a regular basis in 17 years.  There are times I do end up in bed for many hours because I either have excruciating pain where I can't move or I finally am getting some rest after many days or weeks without adequate sleep.

My Hands and fingers hurt even when I write or type. That is why my beautiful handwriting turned sloppy.  My hands are often swollen so   I tend to drop things all the time.  The finger tips even have sharp pain, at times. Nails tend to be brittle. If I grow my nails long, my finger tips hurt even more.

Restless leg syndrome is a new one for me. My legs and arms jerk, move when trying to sleep. plus I have electricity like pain shooting in legs at times. I don't know what causes it though.

My body hurts and is inflamed when weather, barometric pressure, or temperature changes or if there is moisture in the air.  That's when fire-burning pain all over body, is common.  It also feels like my head swells and can't handle the brain it's carrying. No, I don't have any tumors or cancers or even blood pressure problems. All of those have been ruled out many times. Please don't get mad if I sit, or stand, or lean against the wall, or do all three within minutes because I am just trying to get comfortable. On my good days, I feel like I have the flu without the fever. I may be nauseated, very achy and have lack of energy.  Exercising even makes it worse. 

I do have food sensitivity. Most foods are bothersome to my body and I can't eat them. Have to read labels before I eat anything. Even when I have changed my way of eating to healthier foods, I still feel sick. Yet I notice I do feel worse when I eat enriched, bleached and sweetened foods.  Most supplements, meds, etc...trigger reactions and symptoms in my body.  Even allergy injections caused problems for me.  Then there are those times that I eat something, and within 15 minutes I look like I am 6 months pregnant. I can say, it is very embarrassing.

Even though I have many other health problems, I am not going to mention all of the other ones. I will leave that to the doctors.

If you actually hear me complain that I am in pain, realize that I am always in pain, and that I always have a headache. If you hear me actually voice the complaint, than it's way worse than the normal pain I deal with.  Just to function on a normal basis, I have to take Epsom salt baths, cold/hot packs, and get neck and back adjustments just to be able to function. These are what helps me out some. It doesn't take the pain away; it just takes the edge off.

oh and by the way, I have to totally lean on God. Hey, even Jesus cried out when he was hurting. So give me a hug, but not a crushing, squeezing one. Give me a high five but don't slap it hard. It's okay to pat my back but don't slam your fist or hand on my back and don't slap me a hello on my shoulder. It hurts too much. Hey we all need that physical touch, but some of us need it a little softer.

Please remember your friends with debilitating chronic pain, they do need your encouragement, understanding, and help.  Plus if you believe in the true God, please say a little prayer. Knowing people are praying for me gives me encouragement.  God bless..

this post is dedicated to all my fibro buddies...

I am so Over the Owls*

Well, today my neighbors said that the screeching owls have moved on. I had to go check it out so I peaked out the window down the hall from where I live. Yup no more screeching sounds. I loved those beautiful owls that I was able to observe for a week or two.

One day, I looked on the sidewalk, and lo and behold, there was a creature sitting there. This brown animal's eyes were looking at me..it wasn't a cat or a dog. I couldn't tell what it was. At first I thought it was a brown owl. That is so awesome but Was it hurt? Why is it on the sidewalk?  Yet it was so cool to watch...It looks so curious with its white face and brown body, just looking around and turning his head from side to side.. Oh I wish I had my camera.  I went and put a note on my neighbor's door and went back to the window and it was gone. I am a curious person, by nature so I had to go investigate that animal.

I forgot I had my camera phone so I got it ready and I went downstairs as fast as I could and out the door to go see if I could get a closer look, but that animal which was about as big as a kitten or puppy was nowhere to be seen...

Then I moved closer to where it was originally standing, and I heard a sound as if something creaked open, then all of a sudden this beautiful brown owl flew about 100 ft away from me, but it was carrying a smaller animal...his dinner....oh gross. I immediately got nauseated and felt like I was going to puke when I saw that animal being carried away to be eaten,,,just the thought of it made me not like that owl any more...I know they have to eat, but that was too much for me to see..

As I walked back to my apartment, I had this bad taste in my mouth, and felt disgusted by the owl....as I am writing it, it's still giving me chills down my spine...I am a city girl...I don't like to think of  animals killing other animals for food....Okay I know I eat certain meats, but like I said. I am a city girl...If I had to kill it, I would be a vegetarian...

so long, furry friend; I hope you had a good life.

We Have Visitors*

About a week and a half ago,  I was at my neighbors apartment around 9 p.m. which is in the same building as my place. I sat on her nice couch and while we were chatting, I heard screeching sounds. I asked her to listen and we were quiet as the sounds enhanced. I suggested that I thought the noise was a screeching owl. She laughed as she said that she hears that noise a lot at nighttime and thought it was her neighbors making that noise. I kindly said, as I chuckled, "that's not your neighbor; that's a screeching owl." As we continued to talk, the noise would become louder and then lower a few decimals. I said goodnight to my friend, and went on my merry way. I totally forgot about the lonesome owl. 

Last week, one of my relatives came over to visit me. While he walked back to his car around 8:30 p.m., he heard the same noise that my friend and I had recently heard from her apartment.  He called me and told me that he thinks there is a nest of owls in the palm tree where I live.  I thought that was cool, but eventually forgot about the owl again...Yes I get fibro fog (a.k.a. brain fog).

Then the next day, I went out for a few hours and visited with some friends.  After I was dropped off at 9 pm, I heard an increased number of screeching sounds coming from the palm trees. I decided to investigate the noise.  I went up to the third level of my apartments and looked out the hallway window...and lo and behold, there was one owl, then another, and another, and one more...than I think there was even one more. They were on the palm tree branches, some were flying in the air, and some were peaking out of the palm tree...So I called my neighborly friend and told her "you have to come check this out...There are 4 or 5 owls in the palm trees on the property."  She was amazed and came as fast as she could up the stairs. It was a sweet moment to share this surprise with her.

The beautifully white colored owls would circle around and come for a landing on the palm tree that was right in front of me.  I couldn't believe it's beauty of how it soars through the sky with no effort.   A few of them soar in the sky, some sit on the palm tree branches, and a few stay in one spot that looks like a nest in the palm tree.  It's so amazing. I have seen owls before, but they usually glide into the palm trees and hide.  So it was magnificent to see these beautiful creatures God created.  When they were flying, I wouldn't hear any sounds from those owls. Only when they landed on the branch; it was then that they would start communicating with each other in this high pitch screeching sound. When two particular owls would join the nest, the owls would get so excited and the screeching would get even louder as though they were the welcoming committee or the hungry committee...These two, I think were the younger ones. They didn't seem to take off anywhere but flapped there wings and were extremely excited when I assumed mom and pop came back...These younger ones, looked just a tiny bit smaller than the other owls, and even a little bit rounder.  But don't let that stop them, they sure have lungs...They get just as excited and loud as the adult owls.

I ended up calling one of my other neighbors on another day and told him about them...I said, "You have got to see these owls." So he came up and we saw at least six owls... Out of the six I saw, five of them were hanging out on the branches and some would fly and come back to the same tree while one (I will name the Rebel) decided to fly to the opposite palm tree.  It was so magnificent to watch...

One of my new nightly routines is to see these beautiful, peaceful creatures.  Six beautiful, fluffy white owls right where I live...Amazing...and the best part is, the owls are on the other side of the building so the screeching sounds don't wake me up....lol...yet I do feel a little sad for my neighbors on the other side....if they aren't getting a great amount of sleep from the group of owls.  The owls seem to come out from 8:30 p.m. to 5 a.m.  Yup, about the time people are either trying to relax or sleep.  

I have been google-ing information about owls. Did you know a group of owls is called a Parliament (ask.com). I also found out that there are over 200 different species of owls too (ask.com). Who knew? I had no idea. If you want to see a list of the owls, check out http://www.owlpages.com/owls.php?genus=all

Okay I have to go now and spend sometime with my new friends.

the picture of the owl is from: picturesfrom http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/PHOTO/LARGE/3160392778_1e4fd6e031_o_TimLenz.jpg

Speaking up*

On behalf of all who deal with debilitating chronic pain...I know people mean well, but some people don't understand what we deal with.  For if they did, they would not be doing and saying what they are.  

Some people seem to get mad at us when we are not well. Others demand healings that don't come. And even others try to shove diets, supplements or other alternative to medicines down our throat. 

Some of us have tried so many different things and for some of us, all they do is give us more side effects. We may have spent so much money on "alternative meds."  

I wish people would realize that some of us have sensitivities.  We have sensitivities to food, to supplements, to medicines, to temperature, to barometric pressure, to allergies, to even the air we breathe, or whatever is in it.  

People seem to get frustrated and even tell us "well, if you ate this way" or "if you would only take this medical treatment, than everything will get better"...so we try it, and guess what? It doesn't work, for some of us. And then there are others who give us more unwanted advice and they may give a condescending look as though we are sinning or done something awful because we are not taking their advice. To those people who say "well, if you just did this ______."  I want to tell you, thank you, but, no thank you.  It gets overwhelming when the same people (over and over again) keep pushing us to take the next best and new thing. Just because it works for some, doesn't mean it works for everybody...

It weighs so heavily on my heart. I know I am not well, for I have been practically housebound for about 4 months and even bed bound at times.  There's times that I can't even cook for myself so I end up eating a bowl of cereal for dinner. Do people really think that I like living this way? No I don't. That's why I have tried so many different things to help me to get better.  And believe me, I have done a lot of prayer in the process and prayed, and prayed, and prayed some more for a healing...I still hope and pray for a healing, but I have to take care of myself in this condition, in the meantime.

Some of us have even had people tell us to go to such and such preacher or a healing service for God to heal us...We know that God can heal us instantaneously.  (I know that maybe there is a reason he has me in this condition, at this time. God can heal me at a healing service, at a healing conference, or even in my house.)  Nowhere in the Bible does it say you have to go to a special place for a healing. Please don't stop praying for our healing, but please don't push us into the healing or get mad when it doesn't come. It may come soon, later, or maybe never. 

We may have even had people tell us "you need more faith and you need to believe God is going to heal you." To those I say, "I have way more than a mustard seed of faith."  We have had others imply that maybe something is wrong with us, that maybe we are being too negative, or maybe our walk with God isn't right, or maybe there's some secret sin we need to ask God to forgive us from. That is not cool to say either.  Unless God told you specifically to say that, Please don't say those things. That can be hurtful. 

We don't know why people sometimes appear to be angry when we are not well...Does it affect them some how? Well, I guess yes it does when we are unable to hang out with them, or even go to church and sit by them... Do they live with the day to day pain we deal with? Do they help us when we need it? Does it affect them when we have lost our strength in our body to where we can't even walk that far? so why do people treat others who are chronically ill like this. I don't know...

To those who are constantly shoving wellness at us, we know you mean well, but it wears us out every time you do this. 

We need strength, love, hope, and peace in our life. Not demanding faith, shoving diets, pushing supplements, and throwing things at us that are not positive.

Sometimes it's best to step back and look at the situation.  Think of what people who are in horrible chronic pain really deal with. 

Close your eyes and visualize chronic, debilitating pain throughout your whole body. How do you feel when you have the flu? Do you feel great? Are you at your best performance? Do you feel weak? When you push yourself too much, do you feel worse and does your pain feel worse? Do you usually ask or want someone to help you out?  Do you have a lot of energy and strength or do you tend to lay on the couch or bed, like most people who have the flu, hoping for that day you will get better. Now picture having that flu everyday, that's kind of like what some of us who have chronic pain deal with on a daily basis. If we do too much, than our pain levels increase. Yet sometimes we have to push ourselves to clean the house, or take care of family, go grocery shopping, or just doing daily tasks.

Now that you have this information, can you help others who deal with this kind of  life? Sometimes our friends or family may stay away because they don't want to deal with "us" in this condition or they try to minimize what we deal with. They don't want to face the fact that this is life for "us."   

We are not saying to change your whole life for us; just be courteous, encouraging, loving, supportive, hospitable, and prayerful.  Is there something you can do to help us?  Can you lend a hand, help us go on errands, bring a hot meal, a hug, come and sit by us and chat? Do you check up on us by text, phone, or slow mail to see if we are okay or just need a friendly voice to chat with.  We like encouraging cards too. We are human just like everyone else, and we have feelings too. 

And please don't stop praying for us for a healing. We need all the prayers we can get.  We hope for a miracle of healing, yet we have to take care of our bodies the way they are, at this time...

all pictures are by photobucket.com

New Fibromyalgia *Support Group* on Facebook*

Please check out the new Fibromyalgia Support Group on Facebook...

This support group is to encourage people who deal with and bring awareness to Fibromyalgia.  You are welcome to chat about your symptoms, talk about ideas, cry on each others cyber shoulders, and encourage each other.  I encourage you to lean on God through the pain you are in. He is our source of strength.

If you don't have fibromyalgia, but you want to learn more about it and/or support a loved one who has it, you are also welcome to join.
Check us out at:   

"Fibromyalgia: Fibro Brothers and Sisters"

Update on Oklahoma* Tornados*

An update from what I know from Oklahoma, thank God that my relative and several families I know over there, are safe.  They did go through some scary storms and tornadoes at the beginning of the week.  My relative's close friends lost their home, yet thankfully the family of 6 is all okay. Please keep the Hock family in prayer, along with the other families who lost their homes, and especially the ones who lost a family member in the devastation  They, among others, have had to go to their property to see what they could salvage. Yet even then some of the stuff is getting ruined because of the rain that's been going on and off the last couple of days.

Please pray for the people in Oklahoma.  Even though they are grateful to be alive, some may be teary eyed, still shaken up, but some people, it might not have even hit them yet that they lost everything, including their home. They may be in shock.  A lot of them may go through the grieving process, because it's hard when you lose a lot. They have to start over. Think of the things we use daily; they lost all that in their homes. Some of them even lost their cars. The family I know had 2 cars ruined by the tornadoes. Their two dogs are alive yet one of them was injured in the tornado that ripped through the house. He may have to get stitches.

Three of the members in this family were going to rough out the tornado in the bathroom or a closet, because that is what you do over there when you don't have an expensive storm shelter.  YET at the last minute, there neighbor came home and let them go in their shelter.  
When they got out of their neighbor's shelter, they stepped out to find their house had flattened except for 2 rooms.  Even in those two rooms, they might not be able to wear the clothes or use the other stuff because the tornado shot the windows out, so glass and wood splinters may have stuck in the clothes.

The next day when they were looking through their rubble, they found the guinea pig's cage flattened. They probably thought the worst. Yet while they were looking through the stuff, out comes the guinea  pig from under the couch...He was alive...for the 10 year old who owns that guinea  pig, that probably brought joy to her heart. It brings a tear to my eye. If that guinea pig could talk, he would probably tell them a wild ride he had.


I did talk to a girl on FB who just moved to Oklahoma; she used to go to my former church.  She sounded a little shaken up but her family is okay. Thankfully her family was in a storm shelter. The tornado didn't touch their house. Thank God, They are okay.

The families need a lot of items since they are having to start all over...if you have it in your heart, please send your money donations to a trusted site like the American Red Cross.  http://www.americancrossroads.org/.  I know this is a little more closer to my home since my relative and friends live there, but if you can give any donation, the people in OK would really appreciate it...and yes, they do appreciate your prayers.

My New Web Address*

In case you didn't get the memo, my website "Expressive Praise" has a new web address.  It is now www.expressivepraise.blogspot.com ...


Click on the "Blog Archive" or "Labels" on the right hand side of my blog to read posts that I have written.  You will find silly/humorous stuff, encouragement, "just for thought," info on Fibromyalgia and chronic pain, "just blogging," short stories, poems, artwork,  and more...Check it out...

Also on the right hand side of my blog, you can click on "Art Portfolio" and it will direct you to my Expressive Praise Artwork.

30 Things About My Invisible* Illness You May Not Know*

30 Things About My Invisible Illness You May Not Know

1. The illness and chronic problems I live with is: Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain Syndrome, Bilateral Anterior Displaced Menisci, Anterior dislocation of the Anterior (right) disc and Articular disc (left)/ Allergies/ Myofascial Pain Syndrome/ Arthritis in Jaw and Neck/ Visual Migraines/ / High ear sensitivity/ subject to regular Migraines, yet have Headaches 24 hours a day/7 days a week/ IBS, TMJ, Cervical Vertigo, stomach problems which makes it hard to eat many foods,, etc... There’s more, but I don't want to overwhelm you. ha-ha lol.

2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: 2001, yet my symptoms started in 1995.

3. But I had symptoms since: 1995, symptoms started after a head injury and increased through the years.

4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is: (this one is a hard one because there are so many) Wearing ear plugs all the time/ Not being able to go places or do things that my friends are able to do. / The first time I said I am going to go to college and make something of myself; after I went for a couple of months, I had the head injury. I had to drop out for a little bit, and then only was able to take 2 classes at a time, and now...I am not able to do them as often./ Also not being able to go to church all the time is so hard.


5. Most people assume: that if I say that I am okay, then they think I am doing great and not in any pain.

6. The hardest part about mornings are: Getting up...I have a hard time moving in the morning, like hard to walk / I have ‘fibro fog’/ digestion is messed up/ painful joints, muscles, skin, etc.../ try to wake up from a horrible night sleep of tossing and turning. (Before my injury and illness, I was a morning person and would be the first one up and ready to go)

7. My favorite medical TV show is: House

8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is: my earplugs (everyday sounds are like a trumpet blowing in my ear) and also my sunglasses, have sensitivity to brightness.

9. The hardest part about nights is: Getting to sleep/staying asleep and tossing and turning.

10. Each day I take pills & vitamins: a bunch, but now, it's more vitamins then meds.

11. Regarding alternative treatments: I am having success with chiropractic although, I did try acupuncture and it caused severe muscle spasms throughout my body. (They say that doesn't usually happen)

12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible one, I would choose: (that's hard to answer because I know that when I do have a brace on my arm, people sympathize with me, yet that brace I wear only at different times and that pain is no way near the pain I have daily. Also when I use my handicap card people kind of look at me different because they see me as someone who doesn't look like I have pain.) So yes I guess sometimes it would be nice that I would have a visible illness instead of an invisible one.

13. Regarding working and career: let's see, in 1995 had to stop working for a few months, then I did many years part time because pain was so bad, and then I had to stop working in 2001 because symptoms increased greatly.

14. People would be surprised to know: that there are times that I just need a hug and for people to actually be there for me when I really need it. (I have a couple of my friends who do, but a lot of people say they would do anything for me, but they disappear)

15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been: not being able to go to church all the time. I need that network or contact of friendly hugs. Facebook is great, but I so miss the human contact.

16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was: hmm, I don't know. Maybe keep on going no matter what, encourage others who are going through tough times, and writing a book.

17. The commercials about my illness: within the last couple of years there are a few that has popped up about Fibromyalgia: Lyrica, etc...

18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is: singing in the church choir and just hanging out with my friends at any time of day.

19. It was really hard to have to give up: singing, working, and volunteering. I tried several times to sing, but with severe TMJ and headaches which lead to migraines, it’s kind of hard to do that. I tried throughout the years, but it just led to migraines and major muscle spasms in jaw. Not so much fun.

20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is: drawing, painting, and making photo note cards

21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would: go to church, hang out with my friends, maybe go to a concert, and eat ice cream. Oh, buy a car and drive forever, I haven't been able to drive in awhile because of all the health and visual problems I have.

22. My illness has taught me: live minute to minute, trust in God, be my own advocate; keep standing up for what I believe in- if it's medical rights or God.

23. Want to know a secret? I like encouraging cards and phone calls, just to say hi or being there for me, is so important.


24. But I love it when people: (I do appreciate the ones who contact me on Facebook).

25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is: “Jesus wept" (John 11:35). Jesus had compassion for Lazarus; even though he knew he would raise Lazarus from the dead, he still wept. To me, that shows compassion.

26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them: I know what you are going through; if you need to talk or need prayer, contact me; stand up for yourself; set boundaries, and lean on God.

27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is: I am learning that I can handle anything that comes my way and that God has brought me through so much.

28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was: brought me dinner.

29. I’m involved with Fibromyalgia Awareness Month because: I know what people are going through.

30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel: that you do care about me and what I go through.

What Does Your Chapter Say?*

In Exodus chapters 3-4 (in the Bible) the Lord is talking to Moses and wanting him to help rescue people from Pharaoh who are in Egypt.  

"The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering.  So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land...And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”  Exodus 3:7-10

Moses ends up arguing with the Lord that he is not good enough to speak to Pharaoh to lead the people out of Egypt.

"Moses said to the Lord, 'Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.' The Lord said to him, 'Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord?  Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.'   But Moses said, 'Pardon your servant, Lord. 

Please send someone else.'
 Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well...You shall speak to him and put words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do.  He will speak to the people for you, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were God to him.  But take this staff in your hand so you can perform the signs with it.” 
Exodus 4:10-17

So everything is set. Even though God wanted Moses to be the main leader and work on his own without the help of anyone else, except God, he provides a way to help Moses out. The Lord provides Aaron, Moses' brother to be his voice, since Moses doesn't feel he is adequate enough. So basically Moses and Aaron will lead the people out of Egypt.

^"And the Lord said to Moses in Midian, 'Go back to Egypt, for all the men who were seeking your life are dead.' So Moses took his wife and his sons...and went back to the land of Egypt..." Exodus 4:19-20



God gives Moses the okay to go back to Egypt since the people who were going to kill him are all dead. That's a sigh of relief...whew!!!  I believe they were wanting to kill him because he killed an Egyptian earlier.  Moses also gets an okay from God that Aaron can help him lead the people out of Egypt.  So Moses has probably stopped trembling in his bones...Well, he is still probably nervous, but not as much, since his brother will be doing the talking. And now Moses is taking his family on a trip back to Egypt. So everything seems to be back on track.


"The Lord said to Moses, 'When you return to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders I have given you the power to do. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go." Exodus 4:21

I would have said: "Um, excuse me God...You want me to perform all these signs and wonders before Pharaoh, and you are going to HARDEN HIS HEART. Why? I already told you that I can't speak well in front of people, and now you are going to make it even more harder. Why are you going to do that?"  

Moses argues with God about everything...Yet I noticed he didn't even question why God would harden Pharaoh's heart. To me, I would have asked God about this: "God, isn't this a waste of time? Why are you going to harden Pharaoh's heart? Isn't is hardened enough?"

It gets even better.

^"At a lodging place on the way, the Lord met Moses and was about to kill him."Exodus 4:24




I have read that story many times in my life, and I don't even recall this one sentence...Why was the Lord God going to kill Moses?  He already gave into Moses' excuses about why he felt he couldn't lead the people out of Egypt.  He even said "the People" who were going to kill you, are no 
longer alive; so it was safe for Moses to return to Egypt. 

Why didn't God just come out and say, "Moses, the people that were going to kill you are all dead. So you don't need to worry about them...But Moses... I am going to kill you. So watch out..."

Why was the Lord wanting to kill Moses.  If the Lord God killed Moses, who would have led the people out of Egypt?  Would Aaron do it alone? Why did God want to kill him?  Was it because he argued with God? Was it because he didn't follow the covenant of God exactly the way he was supposed to?

I am a sinner, too; saved by God's grace. I wonder would God ever want to kill me?  Am I stubborn enough to anger God?  I know I tend to argue my point, and then give in most of the time, but am I making God angry? I never have really thought about God being angry with me before. 

If I was in the Bible, what would it say about me? Would it say that I angered God? or would it say that I didn't do what he wanted me to do so he provided other ways to help me accomplish his tasks?...Would it say that God was going to kill me?...I so hope not...It makes me think of things that I need to change in myself. Some might say that Moses didn't do all that God wanted him to do so that's why he was going to kill him.  Do we always do all that God wants us to do? Are we any different than Moses?




If a chapter in the Bible was written about you, What would it say?

All scripture is from the NIV (New International version) Bible from www.biblegateway.com


All photos are from photobucket.com