I think this is a beautiful song by Casting Crowns. "The Voice of Truth" speaks volumes. This video also has verses associated with it. If you find a hard time meditating, try listening to this song and reading the verses. This song is so soothing and can be in your head all day long as you start to get depressed, angry, feel defeated, or have any other negative emotions. The song really touches my heart.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwsvqVmFV6Y
What does the song/video do for you?
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Fibromyalgia: Has it made your faith grow strong or weak?
When I was first diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, I was very angry with God. How could he put me through this? I haven't had a chance to have kids, my poor husband is now stuck with a disabled person for the rest of his life, I worked so hard in school to get a good career, and the list went on from there and seemed never-ending. Before I was diagnosed, though, I must say that I had little faith in God about all that was going well in my life. I had met a wonderful God-fearing man, we were financially stable (when I was only 22), we had just bought our first home, and the list of great things went on and on. I was still negative at the time, though. -And I definitely thought that I had done all of these great things, not God. Sometimes I wonder if I became ill in order to become more faithful and remain a servant of God. Maybe it was a test, I sometimes wonder. Who knows why we all fell ill with this disease called Fibromyalgia. All we can do is try to remain positive and learn about how people the bible talks about dealt with situations that are similar.
What a wonderful God we have -- He is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials. And why does He do this? So that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them this same help and comfort God has given us. -(2 Corinthians 1: 3-4) TLB
Maybe we go through our struggles so we can be better witnesses. I know this: God has a purpose for our suffering. There have been many who have suffered in the bible and we tell their stories still today. Just turn to Him, read His Word, and find some peace in Him. This always works for me. I know, Satan usually has one way or another to keep us from reading the bible. Stay strong, though, and read at least one verse a day. It will help you!
What a wonderful God we have -- He is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials. And why does He do this? So that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them this same help and comfort God has given us. -(2 Corinthians 1: 3-4) TLB
Maybe we go through our struggles so we can be better witnesses. I know this: God has a purpose for our suffering. There have been many who have suffered in the bible and we tell their stories still today. Just turn to Him, read His Word, and find some peace in Him. This always works for me. I know, Satan usually has one way or another to keep us from reading the bible. Stay strong, though, and read at least one verse a day. It will help you!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Words of Wisdom from The Bible
I was reflecting on some verses a couple days ago that I thought I'd share with you guys. I want to give my take on them. Feel free to post comments with your interpretations and/or stories that go along with them.
Do a favor and win a friend forever; nothing can untie that bond. Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach; good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest. Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit- you choose. -Proverbs 18: 19-21 (The Message Version)
Do you have any friendships that started out with a favor being done on either end? You probably do. You may or may not remember what that favor is, but there most likely was one. Personally, I sometimes forget how valuable having friends is. I get tied up with being on the internet too much or I'm in bed sick. It takes a really great person to put up with me.
I started to realize when reading this verse the other day that I had a big problem with myself when it came to the next couple of verses. Do you ever find yourself saying negative things about people to them or to your spouse or another loved one? Just because they may not tell anyone doesn't make it right at all. I should know. I can be very negative. Energy is never lost. It is simply transferred. Why am I bringing this up? Those negative words transfer themselves onto whomever you're telling them to. I know. We're all humans and we make mistakes all of the time- especially this one. Would it kill us to take a closer look at ourselves, though, and ask why we're not bringing these thoughts to God in prayer? He can do amazing things with negative energy if we just talk it out with him. I'm going to make a much stronger effort to do so after analyzing this verse. I know it can be difficult, but we must try.
What do you think about these verses? How do they speak to you?
Do a favor and win a friend forever; nothing can untie that bond. Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach; good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest. Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit- you choose. -Proverbs 18: 19-21 (The Message Version)
Do you have any friendships that started out with a favor being done on either end? You probably do. You may or may not remember what that favor is, but there most likely was one. Personally, I sometimes forget how valuable having friends is. I get tied up with being on the internet too much or I'm in bed sick. It takes a really great person to put up with me.
I started to realize when reading this verse the other day that I had a big problem with myself when it came to the next couple of verses. Do you ever find yourself saying negative things about people to them or to your spouse or another loved one? Just because they may not tell anyone doesn't make it right at all. I should know. I can be very negative. Energy is never lost. It is simply transferred. Why am I bringing this up? Those negative words transfer themselves onto whomever you're telling them to. I know. We're all humans and we make mistakes all of the time- especially this one. Would it kill us to take a closer look at ourselves, though, and ask why we're not bringing these thoughts to God in prayer? He can do amazing things with negative energy if we just talk it out with him. I'm going to make a much stronger effort to do so after analyzing this verse. I know it can be difficult, but we must try.
What do you think about these verses? How do they speak to you?
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Is Fibromyalgia Linked to a Virus like HIV? Please Read...
Does the virus XMRV ring a bell?
It didn't for me either. This is a retrovirus that latches onto your DNA. There are several articles about it that are more informative than I can be. Isn't that sort of scary? At least then we might be onto something as far as a cause for this disease is concerned.
Here is a great link to look at:
http://www.virology.ws/2009/10/15/xmrv-and-chronic-fatigue-syndrome/
It didn't for me either. This is a retrovirus that latches onto your DNA. There are several articles about it that are more informative than I can be. Isn't that sort of scary? At least then we might be onto something as far as a cause for this disease is concerned.
Here is a great link to look at:
http://www.virology.ws/2009/10/15/xmrv-and-chronic-fatigue-syndrome/
Monday, July 11, 2011
Grocery Store Visit, My Bad Culinary Skills, and a Great Bible Verse about Learning
Ok...I have to level with you all. I have not been eating like I should lately. I've been doing it all- fast foods, fried foods, lots of bread... but I'm going to get back on track. I'm not the best cook, so the way I try to start out eating much healthier is making stirfry meals. I usually buy some fresh squash and zucchini. I go to the freezer isle and purchase frozen shrimp, lots of frozen broccoli, and frozen carrots. I also buy chicken from the produce area. These ingredients combined with salt, pepper, and olive oil can make a great healthy meal. I buy whole grain brown rice to get filled up. If you're like me, you probably need to start out easy. These meals are a great way to do it.
Pic from http://dianabanana510.wordpress.com/2010/06/16/food-food-everywhere-and-not-a-bite-to-eat/
I purchased some Hamburger Helper for when I feel like cheating and eating fast food. At least I'll have a side of green beans. Did you know that Hamburger Helper has some box meals that are gluten free? I picked up the cheesy hashbrowns box to try it and see if I felt different after eating it (compared to a regular box meal).
You know what I love? V8 V-fusion. I really like this drink because my husband hates veggies and it helps him to get what he needs. It's a little expensive, but for me it's worth the extra couple bucks. I notice that it helps me a little bit when it comes to my regularity- probably because veggies have fiber.
This post may not seem all that interesting, but this is me telling about my day at the grocery store.
I want to try some new recipes for Fibromyalgia, but I need to start out very easy since I never learned to cook. I'll update you on my culinary knowledge status from time to time on this blog.
Here's the bible verse of the day:
Proverbs 12: Whoever loves Discipline loves Knowledge, but he who hates correction is Stupid.
I'm using a bible verse about discipline and knowledge because I need to learn this essential skill. I know I'm not alone in this. Please, if you have easy recipes that are Fibro-friendly, post a comment.
I purchased some Hamburger Helper for when I feel like cheating and eating fast food. At least I'll have a side of green beans. Did you know that Hamburger Helper has some box meals that are gluten free? I picked up the cheesy hashbrowns box to try it and see if I felt different after eating it (compared to a regular box meal).
You know what I love? V8 V-fusion. I really like this drink because my husband hates veggies and it helps him to get what he needs. It's a little expensive, but for me it's worth the extra couple bucks. I notice that it helps me a little bit when it comes to my regularity- probably because veggies have fiber.
This post may not seem all that interesting, but this is me telling about my day at the grocery store.
I want to try some new recipes for Fibromyalgia, but I need to start out very easy since I never learned to cook. I'll update you on my culinary knowledge status from time to time on this blog.
Here's the bible verse of the day:
Proverbs 12: Whoever loves Discipline loves Knowledge, but he who hates correction is Stupid.
I'm using a bible verse about discipline and knowledge because I need to learn this essential skill. I know I'm not alone in this. Please, if you have easy recipes that are Fibro-friendly, post a comment.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
What the Bible Says about Depression and Anxiety
Do you believe that God can conquer all? I certainly do. The bible is the most powerful weapon against Satan and bad thoughts and feelings. Do you suffer from depression or anxiety? A lot of people with Fibromyalgia suffer from these conditions, including me. It is an ongoing battle. Here are some bible verses that can help you cope with your depression and anxiety and maybe even forget about negative thoughts for a while!
Picture from http://portialwaysliterature.wordpress.com/
Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10 (NKJV)
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Psalm 37:23-24 (KJV)
Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Psalm 37:3-4 (KJV)
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33 (KJV)
There are several more where that came from. I don't know about you, but when I spend time reading the bible I tend to get a feeling of peace from it. It doesn't last forever, but that's just a sign that I need to open my bible again and start reading God's Word. I wanted to end on that last verse in the book of John because we should take comfort in the fact that God has conquered the world. There is really nothing to fear if we just know that, accept Jesus Christ into our hearts and lives and follow God's Word to the absolute best of our ability. All of us Christians are supposed to try to be like Jesus. Do you think Jesus was depressed and worried all of the time? Of course not! He wouldn't have been able to do everything he did for us! Thank you Lord for sending Him as an example for us to follow!
Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10 (NKJV)
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Psalm 37:23-24 (KJV)
Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Psalm 37:3-4 (KJV)
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33 (KJV)
There are several more where that came from. I don't know about you, but when I spend time reading the bible I tend to get a feeling of peace from it. It doesn't last forever, but that's just a sign that I need to open my bible again and start reading God's Word. I wanted to end on that last verse in the book of John because we should take comfort in the fact that God has conquered the world. There is really nothing to fear if we just know that, accept Jesus Christ into our hearts and lives and follow God's Word to the absolute best of our ability. All of us Christians are supposed to try to be like Jesus. Do you think Jesus was depressed and worried all of the time? Of course not! He wouldn't have been able to do everything he did for us! Thank you Lord for sending Him as an example for us to follow!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Cravings and Fibromyalgia
I don't know about you fellow Fibromyalgia sufferers out there, but I have some cravings that are so strong sometimes. They are usually from sugar or carbs when I'm not even trying to stay away! I'm guessing this could mean that these foods are bad for me and I need to start eating better yesterday. This is easier said than done, but I need to do it. I've heard a lot about different diseases and conditions are much more tolerable on a low sugar and low carb diet. The trick is to remember to be conscious of what you're eating and to make sure to eat something every 3-4 hours. I grew up eating out a lot and that usually means doing the complete opposite of what I just described. If you too have problems in this area and can offer advice, please comment!
Just Found This interesting info about what you are craving and what you really need. Enjoy.
Bible Verse for Today:
And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. -Genesis 1:29
This is a verse I should really review and see if I live my life according to God's plan. So much temptation out there when it comes to food...
Just Found This interesting info about what you are craving and what you really need. Enjoy.
Bible Verse for Today:
And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. -Genesis 1:29
This is a verse I should really review and see if I live my life according to God's plan. So much temptation out there when it comes to food...
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Reading and Sleeping
Ok, Ok, I know reading can sometimes give us who suffer from Fibromyalgia headaches. When you are feeling well, though, and just cannot sleep, try reading instead of watching television. It has been hard for me to break my habitual TV watching, but there are great health benefits when it comes to reading over watching television. First of all, reading really helps you sleep. It also can help you learn things while only a few channels do that these days. Also, you are forced to think more when you read.
When you are having headaches that make it more difficult to read, listen to an online sermon or an audio Bible online. This can help you sleep as long as the person's voice is not too dramatic. There are dramatic versions of audible bibles online also.
In the bible verse below, God explains to us that sleep is important. Although working all night and day without sleep may seem profitable, we will not get nearly as much done without sleep. We as humans become sluggish, make mistakes, and should not be behind the wheel when we don't get in our daily rest. Try some of the methods I mentioned above and see if you have any luck falling asleep faster.
"It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep" (Psalm 127:2)
When you are having headaches that make it more difficult to read, listen to an online sermon or an audio Bible online. This can help you sleep as long as the person's voice is not too dramatic. There are dramatic versions of audible bibles online also.
In the bible verse below, God explains to us that sleep is important. Although working all night and day without sleep may seem profitable, we will not get nearly as much done without sleep. We as humans become sluggish, make mistakes, and should not be behind the wheel when we don't get in our daily rest. Try some of the methods I mentioned above and see if you have any luck falling asleep faster.
"It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep" (Psalm 127:2)
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