Hope in Christ Brings Many Gifts

Hi friends! Remember how I was writing that I've been going to a church group that has been helping me with my issues with anxiety? Well, I'm still going strong and I feel God's making improvements in my life as I write this. He is helping my overall attitude to change and I am clinging to pessimism less and optimism more.

I'm right in the middle of a lesson on HOPE in my Celebrate Recovery bible. I read something in the lesson that I have to quote:

"Many people today believe their doubts and doubt their beliefs. Has anyone ever seen an idea? Seen love? Seen faith? The reality is, though, that we can see the results of an idea. We can see the acts of faith and love, but the real things- the lasting things- in the world are invisible, spiritual, realities."

How true is that? Have you ever believed your doubts more than your Christian beliefs? I know I have. This lesson really calls me out on it and makes me realize how foolish it is to do so.

Bible Verse to chew on: Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior, and my hope is in you all day long. - Psalm 25:5

It is a challenge to have faith in Him ALL day long, but that's his challenge for us and I'm willing to take it. Who's with me?

Great Bible Verse I Read This Morning

I wanted to share a bible verse I read this morning that might help some of those who are thinking, "Why did I get sick?" "What did I do wrong?" The Word says people who are sick are most of the time not sick because of their sins or their ancestor's sins. Please read below:

"Rabbi," his disciples asked him, "why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents' sins?"...Jesus answered, "It was not because of his sins or his parents' sins. This happened so the power of God could be seen in him." -John 9: 1-3

So maybe we are sick to show others how we persevere with God's help. Maybe we will take place in something that will help many. Our illnesses could also be a witnessing tool and it could help people feel more comfortable with us- knowing that we're not perfect. Who knows? Only God does. He has a purpose in all of this. We just have to keep the faith and realize that God's in control.

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!

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.

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...

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)

Multitasking and the Fibromyalgia Patient

I don't know about you guys, but I find it really difficult to multitask since I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I think this must go along with stress management because it has to do with managing your thoughts and not getting overwhelmed. There are products that help people like me and you. There are several books and full out programs to help us stop sweating the small stuff. I am thinking of trying a few of the programs out. I don't have much to lose, but a lot to gain.

Here is our bible verse of the day:

Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest. (Luke 12:25-26)

Isn't that so true? Worrying takes away time from our lives. We cannot get that time back that we spent stressing about something. God is stressing here that we should all just do the best we can. He is also saying for us to be humble and recognize that we cannot even add an hour to the day, which would be a small thing for God to do. Instead, God wants us to pray for his help in the matter, organize our thoughts and do the best we can. I know it sounds so easy, but stressing and worrying are hard habits to break. Just keep praying to Him and you will succeed.

What the Bible Says about the Middle East

I watched an hour long program on National Geographic about Usama Bin Laden's plots against America and other countries leading up to the fall of the twin towers on 9/11/2001. This left me with many questions about what the Bible says about the Middle East. I had heard and viewed different scriptures before, but never with explanations that further helped me to gain the understanding I need in order to apply the information to current events. Here is a link that helped me. Please feel free to comment about facts or interpretations you believe are left out. Also, feel free to add a link to a source that goes into more detail.
http://www.christadelphia.org/pamphlet/mideast.htm

As many of us feel fearful of an attack to avenge the death of Bin Laden, I am directed to this verse:



Psalm 56:3-4 


When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?

Bible Verse about Pain

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed. 1st Peter 4:12-13


Even in the extreme pain of fibromyalgia, we must remember that Christ himself went through a huge amount of pain and suffering. Even then He was gracious. He worshiped God and did not sin throughout all of His suffering and pain. Fibromyalgia pain is terrible, but we know there is a place after this life where there is no pain or suffering. When we get to heaven, we will know the reasons for this pain and suffering. Until then, know that you are not alone. Christ is with you.