Hi all! It's been a while since I've written a post. I have been busy freelancing. I've been writing tons of articles and haven't had energy to write for myself lately. I wanted to give you all a good bible verse about pain and suffering, a subject that those with fibromyalgia are too familiar with.
Even though you meant harm to me, God meant it for good, to achieve his present end. Genesis 50:20
Although it is sometimes hard for us to see, some of the evil in this world can be turned around with the help of our Lord and savior and be put to good use. I, for instance, didn't have nearly the compassion I have for others before I had fibromyalgia. That's why it isn't right of me to say anything bad about those who just have no idea how disabling this illness can be. I love to be around kids now too. The disease has taught me patience and made me thankful for the small things in life. Most importantly, the disease made me realize once again that I needed God's help. It brought me closer to him.
Has God brought any good about from you having this horrible condition?
Monday, March 28, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Hope for the Day
This world seems hopeless if you listen to the news or watch certain negative programming or blogs. It seems even more hopeless when us people with Fibromyalgia are trying to find answers. Here is my timeless quote of the day written in the most timeless book there is: the bible.
" May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you."
Psalm 33:22
Psalm 33:22
Let us look to the Lord and His word when we feel hopeless instead of other sources out there today that encourage us to put our hope in all the wrong things. God will take care of us as he promised. Try to pray instead of worry. Try to read the bible instead of negative blogs or empty promises of those trying to earn money off of those who suffer.
I struggle with looking to God first as much or more than the next person, but it is what we all must do to have peace in our hearts.
I struggle with looking to God first as much or more than the next person, but it is what we all must do to have peace in our hearts.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Gluten-Free AND Dairy-Free Diet
I've been reading more blogs and I came across a certain blog with several responses. People claimed to be gluten-free and dairy-free and SYMPTOM-FREE. Maybe I should try this too and continue to get the word out if it works. People that commented were saying that it takes a few months of being off of all these products to feel well. The same people also explained that they basically had to learn how to cook from scratch.
It was interesting to me. These people had nothing to gain for once. They weren't promoting certain specific products or anything like that. One woman who had fibromyalgia also had a son with autism said that her son's autism symptoms disappeared when he got off of wheat. Maybe there really is something to this.
It was interesting to me. These people had nothing to gain for once. They weren't promoting certain specific products or anything like that. One woman who had fibromyalgia also had a son with autism said that her son's autism symptoms disappeared when he got off of wheat. Maybe there really is something to this.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Thoughts from "Our America: Pray the Gay Away?"
I watched a show on OWN (the Oprah Winfrey Network) that was very much anticipated by many Americans for some time. I was interested in the subject of the show as well and that is why I decided to watch it a mere few hours ago. I was deeply saddened by the show. Why? There are several reasons.
First of all, I do not like when people call themselves Christians but openly hate and judge others. I think that it is wrong of us to judge because we all fall short of the glory of God. God views murder as he does taking his name in vain. Sin is sin to God. That's it. What about gay people living in sin- ie sinning over and over and living a certain lifestyle associated with that sin? I do believe that they are living in sin. Aren't so many others today? What about people who constantly overeat at every meal? What about those who have sex before marriage over and over and over with no guilt? What about those who cuss every day of the week? There are examples of Christians around the world that struggle with these issues and they are daily sins for them. I worry almost constantly. I know worrying is a sin. I try to not do it, but I have to find peace at some point to know that God knows I'm trying my best and tomorrow is a new day. Therefore, I do not believe that it is my place or anyone else's to judge someone because they are gay- or worse, tell them they are going to hell. That is hateful.
During the show, the reporter Lisa said that she wished that more people would try to live by example and not judge others just as a young female who was gay tried her best to do. It was hurtful seeing that so many people still see Christianity in such a bad light because of those who judge others and even condemn them. They are sinners too. Maybe they didn't get the memo. Haven't all of us experienced humiliation, being made fun of, or being called nasty names? It hurts deeply. The last thing I would want to do is to come out and say "I am a Christian and you are an abomination" to anyone. What good does that do?
My last take on the show has to do with my opinion of the growing amount of gay and lesbians in the teen population these days? Could this at all be that the media is increasingly pushing gay and lesbian relationships onto the public with these new shows that have come out recently? I know SKINS is one of them (on MTV). I watched a commercial for it and it looked like a commercial for porn or something. Could these teens just be confused and/or curious as many of us were when we were that age? I think it creates a huge identity crisis in teens these days. Teens should not be having intimate relations whether homosexual or strait, but the media keeps pushing sexual sin on the teen audience. It is a sad world we live in these days in that respect.
All of this being said, I hope none of what I said is misunderstood or came out as hateful in any sort of way. I am just putting in my two cents about the program I watched earlier over a very controversial subject.
Please add your takes on this episode. I really want to see what others thought about it.
First of all, I do not like when people call themselves Christians but openly hate and judge others. I think that it is wrong of us to judge because we all fall short of the glory of God. God views murder as he does taking his name in vain. Sin is sin to God. That's it. What about gay people living in sin- ie sinning over and over and living a certain lifestyle associated with that sin? I do believe that they are living in sin. Aren't so many others today? What about people who constantly overeat at every meal? What about those who have sex before marriage over and over and over with no guilt? What about those who cuss every day of the week? There are examples of Christians around the world that struggle with these issues and they are daily sins for them. I worry almost constantly. I know worrying is a sin. I try to not do it, but I have to find peace at some point to know that God knows I'm trying my best and tomorrow is a new day. Therefore, I do not believe that it is my place or anyone else's to judge someone because they are gay- or worse, tell them they are going to hell. That is hateful.
During the show, the reporter Lisa said that she wished that more people would try to live by example and not judge others just as a young female who was gay tried her best to do. It was hurtful seeing that so many people still see Christianity in such a bad light because of those who judge others and even condemn them. They are sinners too. Maybe they didn't get the memo. Haven't all of us experienced humiliation, being made fun of, or being called nasty names? It hurts deeply. The last thing I would want to do is to come out and say "I am a Christian and you are an abomination" to anyone. What good does that do?
My last take on the show has to do with my opinion of the growing amount of gay and lesbians in the teen population these days? Could this at all be that the media is increasingly pushing gay and lesbian relationships onto the public with these new shows that have come out recently? I know SKINS is one of them (on MTV). I watched a commercial for it and it looked like a commercial for porn or something. Could these teens just be confused and/or curious as many of us were when we were that age? I think it creates a huge identity crisis in teens these days. Teens should not be having intimate relations whether homosexual or strait, but the media keeps pushing sexual sin on the teen audience. It is a sad world we live in these days in that respect.
All of this being said, I hope none of what I said is misunderstood or came out as hateful in any sort of way. I am just putting in my two cents about the program I watched earlier over a very controversial subject.
Please add your takes on this episode. I really want to see what others thought about it.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Does anyone out there watch Dr. Oz every once in a while like me? Have you heard of him? He is a famous doctor who focuses mainly on disease prevention and wellness. He helps many people that are tired and run-down get back to their normal selves.
What does that have to do with us? Well, one show that Dr. Oz did was about getting more energy, which I know I can't get enough of. I read the feeling is the same among other fibromyalgia sufferers. What did he recommend for energy boosters? He did NOT mention caffeine, that's for sure. He did mention a sweet substance called D-Ribose. You can get it online or at Whole Foods. You might can get it more places, but those are the two I am aware of. This sugar-like substance helped several FM sufferers with their energy level and memory improvement according to a study done in 2006. Dr. Oz also recommended the smell of lemons to wake you up. I tried it and I must say that I at least really like the smell. You can just try mopping with lemon-scented cleaner and see how you feel afterwards. Dr. Oz also said that hitting the snooze button in the morning is a bad idea for those who always walk around feeling tired. Who knew that? He also explained that taking a multivitamin after big meals helps you to feel less tired. Multivitamins are just a good idea, period. You should try to take them after you have eaten something, though.
So that's it for my tips from Dr. Oz about how to get more energy. Hopefully this will help some of you at least a small amount with the fatigue we battle daily.
What does that have to do with us? Well, one show that Dr. Oz did was about getting more energy, which I know I can't get enough of. I read the feeling is the same among other fibromyalgia sufferers. What did he recommend for energy boosters? He did NOT mention caffeine, that's for sure. He did mention a sweet substance called D-Ribose. You can get it online or at Whole Foods. You might can get it more places, but those are the two I am aware of. This sugar-like substance helped several FM sufferers with their energy level and memory improvement according to a study done in 2006. Dr. Oz also recommended the smell of lemons to wake you up. I tried it and I must say that I at least really like the smell. You can just try mopping with lemon-scented cleaner and see how you feel afterwards. Dr. Oz also said that hitting the snooze button in the morning is a bad idea for those who always walk around feeling tired. Who knew that? He also explained that taking a multivitamin after big meals helps you to feel less tired. Multivitamins are just a good idea, period. You should try to take them after you have eaten something, though.
So that's it for my tips from Dr. Oz about how to get more energy. Hopefully this will help some of you at least a small amount with the fatigue we battle daily.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Faith: Defined
What is faith?
These definitions came from dictionary.com.
Faith: confidence or trust in a person or thing: faith in another'sability.; belief that is not based on proof: He had faith that the hypothesis would be substantiated by fact.; the obligation of loyalty or fidelity to a person, promise,engagement, etc.: Failure to appear would be breaking faith.; Christian Theology . the trust in God and in His promises as made through Christ and the Scriptures by which humans are justified or saved.
What does the bible say about faith?
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. -Hebrews 11:1
We live by faith, not by sight. -2 Corinthians 5:7
a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time -Titus 1:2
But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. -Galatians 5:5
These, of course, are just a few verses in the bible that mention faith. There are many more than those mentioned above.
So do the definitions from dictionary.com match what the bible says about faith? I think, for the most part, it does match what the bible would define faith as. The definition said faith was not based on proof. The bible says we live by faith and not by sight. It also says we should be certain of what we do not see. Keeping the faith is not easy. Recently, several researchers have found physical and other types of evidence providing proof that parts of the bible happened. Actually, many have said that it takes a leap of faith to not believe that Christ died for us instead of a tiny step to believe that he did. The last definition is right on with what the bible says about faith. We are justified by our faith, not by the law. Thank goodness for that!
I wanted to also say a little something about the third definition mentioned. It says faith is an obligation of loyalty. I know we are commanded to be loyal to God. We definitely fall short of that, but that has to be part of what faith is. Maybe that is why many of us humans have a hard time with faith. We are to place no person or thing above God. I think we mistakingly do this all of the time. Thank Him for His Grace. It is through faith, not obedience or our works that we are saved because of Christ the son.
Please add comments or suggestions you have.
These definitions came from dictionary.com.
Faith: confidence or trust in a person or thing: faith in another'sability.; belief that is not based on proof: He had faith that the hypothesis would be substantiated by fact.; the obligation of loyalty or fidelity to a person, promise,engagement, etc.: Failure to appear would be breaking faith.; Christian Theology . the trust in God and in His promises as made through Christ and the Scriptures by which humans are justified or saved.
What does the bible say about faith?
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. -Hebrews 11:1
We live by faith, not by sight. -2 Corinthians 5:7
a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time -Titus 1:2
But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. -Galatians 5:5
These, of course, are just a few verses in the bible that mention faith. There are many more than those mentioned above.
So do the definitions from dictionary.com match what the bible says about faith? I think, for the most part, it does match what the bible would define faith as. The definition said faith was not based on proof. The bible says we live by faith and not by sight. It also says we should be certain of what we do not see. Keeping the faith is not easy. Recently, several researchers have found physical and other types of evidence providing proof that parts of the bible happened. Actually, many have said that it takes a leap of faith to not believe that Christ died for us instead of a tiny step to believe that he did. The last definition is right on with what the bible says about faith. We are justified by our faith, not by the law. Thank goodness for that!
I wanted to also say a little something about the third definition mentioned. It says faith is an obligation of loyalty. I know we are commanded to be loyal to God. We definitely fall short of that, but that has to be part of what faith is. Maybe that is why many of us humans have a hard time with faith. We are to place no person or thing above God. I think we mistakingly do this all of the time. Thank Him for His Grace. It is through faith, not obedience or our works that we are saved because of Christ the son.
Please add comments or suggestions you have.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Did Fibromyalgia Pain Force You to Leave Your Job?
Many of us with this chronic illness find ourselves here at one point or another. Whether we leave the traditional office scene and never come back again or if we just take short term disability and return, the wallet is strained. Those who have quit working but are waiting on disability are really in a bind.
What can we as fellow fibro sufferers do for work? Doing something that makes you happy is what you should do if you can manage from home or part-time. Since depression worsens the pain from this disease, being happy in what you do for a living is very important. There are a few suggestions I have when it comes to working and fibromyalgia.
Think outside the box. Don't just go online looking for jobs working for someone else everyday. This will only lead to frustration and stress, which will lead to more pain. If you do look for a regular job, look only 3 times per week on job boards and only in areas of expertise you will be happy to work in. There are several ways to make money online. There is a site called elance.com where you can freelance from home. You can do several different things from writing articles to tutoring. That brings up another one of my examples. I tutor from my own home. If you are good in any certain subject(s) for certain grades, advertise on neighborhood job boards and pass out flyers around your neighborhood. You may want to meet at a close public place like a library for safety reasons. I also babysit. The money is pretty good from babysitting if you like to do it. Think about the things you love to do or like to talk about and make money writing about things or doing them. It's that simple!
The last suggestion I have is to file for social security disability. If you need the money and you cannot work anymore, that is what it is there for. There are several sites online that can help you file. I would start with the government's social security site.
I hope this got your mind going in the right direction if you need to find work that will suit your lifestyle!
What can we as fellow fibro sufferers do for work? Doing something that makes you happy is what you should do if you can manage from home or part-time. Since depression worsens the pain from this disease, being happy in what you do for a living is very important. There are a few suggestions I have when it comes to working and fibromyalgia.
Think outside the box. Don't just go online looking for jobs working for someone else everyday. This will only lead to frustration and stress, which will lead to more pain. If you do look for a regular job, look only 3 times per week on job boards and only in areas of expertise you will be happy to work in. There are several ways to make money online. There is a site called elance.com where you can freelance from home. You can do several different things from writing articles to tutoring. That brings up another one of my examples. I tutor from my own home. If you are good in any certain subject(s) for certain grades, advertise on neighborhood job boards and pass out flyers around your neighborhood. You may want to meet at a close public place like a library for safety reasons. I also babysit. The money is pretty good from babysitting if you like to do it. Think about the things you love to do or like to talk about and make money writing about things or doing them. It's that simple!
The last suggestion I have is to file for social security disability. If you need the money and you cannot work anymore, that is what it is there for. There are several sites online that can help you file. I would start with the government's social security site.
I hope this got your mind going in the right direction if you need to find work that will suit your lifestyle!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Do we care what God thinks about us more than people here on earth?
My honest answer would have to be no for most of the time. I have been self-conscious for just about my whole life and I know I'm not alone. When I started to get sick, the more self-conscious I became. God really started to get through to me when felt like I hit my bottom. I was angry at the world and God and no one wanted to spend time around me. I can be so stubborn. God is the only ever-lasting entity that we have the pleasure of having a relationship with. It is not an easy walk being a Christian. It is also not popular to be a Christian. It is eternally rewarding, though. Fibromyalgia flare-ups remind me so much of the suffering that the bible says we will have on earth. The suffering ends when we die and are reunited with the Creator. These are huge reasons why we should care much more about what God thinks than what other people think. When others don't realize why we are so tired and call us lazy, are thinking it and have it written on their face or just don't understand, God understands. Here is a verse that goes along with my personal thought today:
Matthew 1:20
But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
If Joseph cared more about what other people thought than what God wanted him to do, the story of Jesus would be so different. The story of Jesus is perfect the way it happened, isn't it?
Please add your thoughts or comments.
Really Good Resource
I was reading other blogs related to chronic illnesses and I came across a link that may be of assistance to many of you fibromyalgia sufferers out there. We all have the worries about getting and keeping health insurance, disability insurance, social security disability, and prescription coverage. This seems to be a good resource for these sorts of issues that we all face. The site is basically giving you knowledge that you can benefit from. Check it out.
AdvocacyForPatients.org
Hope this helps someone out there!
AdvocacyForPatients.org
Hope this helps someone out there!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Helping Others
I think it would be great if fibromyalgia sufferers united and tried to help each other in a positive light. I know many of us find it difficult to take care of ourselves at times, much less other people in need with fibromyalgia or a different condition that is hard to endure.
Why am I bringing this up? My pastor, Mark Dean of Sienna Ranch Baptist Church in the Houston area, told his favorite story again today during service. Although I've all heard it before, it has the same effect on me when he repeats it. During a special olympics game a while back (over 20 years ago), a very unique incident happened that touched the hearts of the audience. The contestants all lined up for the 100 meter dash. When the shot rang out, the runners that had trained very hard started the race of their lives. One young man fell, scraped his leg, and let out a horrible yelp of pain. One by one, all of the runners came back to pick the contestant up and help him finish. Not one of them ignored him. Not one of them crossed the finish line. They all just forgot about their huger personal goal of finishing as fast as they could and helped the contestant who fell finish the race with them. Isn't that how we should strive to be? We can send an encouraging email to others, give someone a call and try to brighten their day, or any other unique way to help someone.
So many people who have claimed to have gotten better from this disease tend to sell books or sell something else quite lucrative. How about sharing knowledge with each other just based on the Ten Commandments? I know greed is a hard sin to tackle and I am just as guilty as the next person of having occasional envy of others. Can we try not to make money off of the sick though? Especially with all of the false claims out there that we've all tried, FM patients are in no mood to pay for another book or diet.
If I get better or go into remission, I will share all of the info on how I got better with you guys right here on this blog. That is a promise.
I will leave you with a verse about that ties into the main point I am trying to make- We should try our hardest and ask God to help us to care more about others than we do about ourselves.
Philippians 2:4
Why am I bringing this up? My pastor, Mark Dean of Sienna Ranch Baptist Church in the Houston area, told his favorite story again today during service. Although I've all heard it before, it has the same effect on me when he repeats it. During a special olympics game a while back (over 20 years ago), a very unique incident happened that touched the hearts of the audience. The contestants all lined up for the 100 meter dash. When the shot rang out, the runners that had trained very hard started the race of their lives. One young man fell, scraped his leg, and let out a horrible yelp of pain. One by one, all of the runners came back to pick the contestant up and help him finish. Not one of them ignored him. Not one of them crossed the finish line. They all just forgot about their huger personal goal of finishing as fast as they could and helped the contestant who fell finish the race with them. Isn't that how we should strive to be? We can send an encouraging email to others, give someone a call and try to brighten their day, or any other unique way to help someone.
So many people who have claimed to have gotten better from this disease tend to sell books or sell something else quite lucrative. How about sharing knowledge with each other just based on the Ten Commandments? I know greed is a hard sin to tackle and I am just as guilty as the next person of having occasional envy of others. Can we try not to make money off of the sick though? Especially with all of the false claims out there that we've all tried, FM patients are in no mood to pay for another book or diet.
If I get better or go into remission, I will share all of the info on how I got better with you guys right here on this blog. That is a promise.
I will leave you with a verse about that ties into the main point I am trying to make- We should try our hardest and ask God to help us to care more about others than we do about ourselves.
Philippians 2:4
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Have a great day and God bless!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Gluten-Free and Fibromyalgia
I have seen many articles online about how eating gluten free products can help ease fibromyalgia symptoms. A lot of people who suffer from fibromyalgia cannot tolerate wheat. I personally have some issues with my fibro symptoms when I eat regular pasta, white bread, and other products that are not whole grain. I have not had any issues with whole grain products, though. I buy whole grain wheat pasta from the store and I have no problems after I eat it. I have heard the statement about people with fibromyalgia dealing with different issues before, but I am just curious to see if anyone is like me. I know many of us crave sugar, which is bad for us. I am in that same boat. I don't do well with a lot of caffeine either, which agrees with many articles I have read when it comes to substances that fibromyalgia patients cannot tolerate. Does anyone out there with fibromyalgia tolerate pasta made with whole grains, just not the cheap regular stuff? What about something different than the gluten free claim that it seems other patients can't tolerate but you can? Comments and suggestions are appreciated.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Now what, God?
"But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you." Psalm 39:7
Do any of you ever feel this way? Are you stuck in a rut? Have you been unable to continue working your full time job due to your illness? So many times I still look in the wrong places when I'm bored or in a rut. We eat the wrong foods, hang around or chat online with the wrong people, look at discouraging websites, watch bad tv, and the list goes on. Let us all keep our hope in the Lord. He is steadfast and true. Although we are not sure why we suffer, we need to know that we all matter to God and he should matter to us. I am just as guilty if not more than the next fibro sufferer of watching tv instead of at least looking at a verse or two or reading the bible for a half hour. Temptations are everywhere. They make us lose focus on what is most important. If we keep our mind on the Lord, he can help us through our low points.
Any thoughts or comments?
Do any of you ever feel this way? Are you stuck in a rut? Have you been unable to continue working your full time job due to your illness? So many times I still look in the wrong places when I'm bored or in a rut. We eat the wrong foods, hang around or chat online with the wrong people, look at discouraging websites, watch bad tv, and the list goes on. Let us all keep our hope in the Lord. He is steadfast and true. Although we are not sure why we suffer, we need to know that we all matter to God and he should matter to us. I am just as guilty if not more than the next fibro sufferer of watching tv instead of at least looking at a verse or two or reading the bible for a half hour. Temptations are everywhere. They make us lose focus on what is most important. If we keep our mind on the Lord, he can help us through our low points.
Any thoughts or comments?
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Fibromyalgia Diet
Has this diet helped anyone's symptoms? I'm about to give it my best shot. I must admit, though, it will be hard to stick to. Any thoughts or comments are appreciated.
http://www.prohealth.com/library/showarticle.cfm?libid=8287
http://www.prohealth.com/library/showarticle.cfm?libid=8287
Fibromyalgia Sufferers in Ohio and Tennessee
John 14:13
Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
I want to let all those in Ohio and other areas of the midwest without power that I am praying for them. Those that are reading, please pray for those affected by the flooding and the power outages. Being without power is especially hard for those with medical conditions and we must pray that God helps them through this time.
The following article about the weather can be found on weather.com and was written by Tim Ballisty:
Severe storms and flooding rains swept across the eastern half of the United States. This latest severe weather episode began on Sunday afternoon (February 27) and continued into Monday night.
Heavy rain flooded parts of the Ohio Valley and the mid-South. Northern Ohio and eastern Tennessee experienced the worst of the flooding with streets inundated with water.
Strong storms marched through Chattanooga, Birmingham, Montgomery, Atlanta, Greenville-Spartanburg and Raleigh during the afternoon and evening hours.
Sadly, the severe weather resulted in two fatalities in the state of Tennessee.
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