Celebrate My Birthday - $5.40 or more!

On April 18, 2018, I'll be celebrating my 54th Birthday! This year, I'd really like to do something very special. My friend Jami is battling Lyme Disease. Her medical treatments are not covered by insurance so are very costly. To help her take a bite out of Lyme disease and her treatment costs, I'd like to ask for a donation of $5.40 or more! 

$5.40 isn't much. Just a specialty coffee drink, or a fast-food meal. But working together, we can make those $5.40 donations add up to make a difference for Jami! 

Please mail your donation to:
Rhonda Sawtelle
Attn: Jami's Battle
2048 Kings Xing SW
Winter Haven, FL 33880

If you have any questions, please email me at createpositive@att.net. 

Thank you so much for your donation and spreading the word. I'll be collecting donations through April 30, 2018. 

Thank you! 

Pray for Jami

Looking for some prayer warriors! 

My friend, Jami, has started a new series of medical treatments. This will be a long process and I'd like to get a team of people committed to praying for her. 

If you'd like to join me, please comment on the day(s) that you will pray for her. You can pick one a month (like on the 19th), or you can pick a day of the week (Wed), or pick several times (daily, 2x a week, etc). I'd like you to be specific. 

Please pray for the following:

JAMI—

1. Jami's spirit. Dealing with any chronic condition can be discouraging. When you don't feel well, the spirit needs extra support. Let’s be praying that Jami will be encouraged during the treatments. #GoJoy

2. Jami's treatments. That her body would accept the "army" that will help her heal. #GoArmy 

3. This prayer is a big one, almost seems impossible. BUT GOD! God has resources and means to provide. Let’s ask God to supply each and every need. (And if you want to donate, please do! The link is below.) #GoMoney

4. This prayer is all-encompassing. In Tune means that everything is working in harmony. That includes all aspects of life. Living with a chronic illness not only impacts the individual but the family and friends. Let’s pray that not only will Jami be “in tune”, but that God will bring peace and harmony to all those around her. #GoInTune

JAMI–

Joy

Army

Money

InTune 

Let’s go TEAM!

Here is the donation link: https://www.plumfund.com/medical-fund/help-jami-take-a-bite-out-of-lyme

Proverbs 6:1-5: Be Careful

My son, if you become surety for your friend .....maybe this translation would be easier to understand:

My ·child be careful about giving a guarantee for ·somebody else’s loan, about promising to pay what someone else owes.

You ·might get trapped by what you say; you ·might be caught by ·your own words.. My ·child, if you have done this and are under your ·neighbor’s control, here is how to ·get free. Don’t be proud. Go to your ·neighbor and ·beg to be free from your promise. Don’t ·go to sleep or ·even rest your eyes, but ·free yourself like a ·deer running from ·a hunter, like a bird flying away from a ·trapper. Proverbs 6:1-5 EXB

I'd do ANYTHING for you. I'd help you ANYWAY that I can. How often have we said those words to someone? And if that person returns asking for help, what do we do? 

This is a warning... BE CAREFUL..you may get caught in a trap, "roped into something". You want to do the "right thing" but you need to guard yourself. Helping someone is not always the RIGHT thing to do. Don't let someone guilt you into doing something that you really should do. 

If you do find yourself in a situation, what do you do? Be humble. Realize that you did make a mistake. And work on correcting it. Don't ignore it. Address it. Take care of it. 

I think this warning is also for the "friend". We shouldn't ask someone to do something for us which first, we shouldn't be involved with, and second, if we can't do it ourselves—should we be doing it? 

How often do we find ourselves in situations where helping seems right, but actually causes the person we help to not learn and grow? Do we become enablers to someone's wrong decisions? Do we become enablers to someone who doesn't want to realize the consequences of his/her choices? 

And what is our motive for helping the friend? 

Should I give help? Yes or no, what is the right answer? Making the right choices begin when a heart is permeated with a deeps sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). Remember the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. And it take godly wisdom to know if helping someone is right or wrong. Be careful, a good warning for us all. 

Sunrise July 9.2014

As I was watching the Sunrise this morning, I noticed that the colors started to show to the left of the sunrise. It made me wonder if I had missed the colors on other mornings, since I was so focused on the actually "sun rising". That made me think even more.... how often am I so focused on MY solution, or where I think I'll find answers, help, etc, that I miss what God has planned "on the side-lines". 

I've written many times about God's creativity in supplying all my needs. He uses resources and ways that I could NEVER have even imagined. This week, He demonstrated how He planned WAY in advance (20 years!) to provide a discount on my car registration. (Click here for details.)

I hope that my pictures of this morning's sunrise will be a reminder to me, that I need to keep my focus on God, for He sees the "big picture"! If I focus on just one aspect, I'll miss out on some of His amazing blessings.

Help of a stranger

Yesterday:
Wow! God sent some great blessings. 
I needed a BIG box for some pictures/frames. I received an email for 10% off my purchase at Home Depot. So I went over and found a box that would work. As I was waiting to check out, a gentleman came up behind me with his hands full. I offered to let him go ahead of me, since I had a cart. He said, "No, it's not heavy." Then we chatted. As I was checking out, he then offered to help me get the box in my car. So, not only did he help me get the box in the car... well part of it.... he drove the other part home for me! 
Thank you, Lee for all your help! And thank you God for sending Lee to help me out today.

Sunday: 
As I was thanking God for the help of the stranger He sent yesterday, I had to stop and think about something.... 

Packing and getting things ready to sell, has been extremely difficult on my back. The pain level remains high as does the headache. Yesterday, when I went to the store to buy the BIG box, I was not feeling the greatest. As I waited in the only checkout line open with a person (they had self checkouts, but I really needed help with the box), each person in front of me had a problem with their items. What was going to be quick trip, had grown to 30 plus minutes and counting. 

As I stood there, I knew that I could be frustrated at everything taking so long, or I could make a choice to find something positive. That's when the gentleman with his arms full walked up behind me. I really didn't want to make my wait any longer, but I had a cart, he stood there holding all this stuff. So, God nudged me... and I asked if he'd like to go ahead of me. 

That question, opened the door for conversation as we waited. As I was checking out, he asked how I had planned to get the box in my car, I said that I think it will fit in the back seat. He offered to help me. And he did! 

Looking back on yesterday..... what if I had "put me first". Ignored the fact that the man had his arms full. What I had complained about the long wait? What if...... 

I'm thankful that God nudged me and that He continues to remind me that it's NOT about ME. I was able to share that God sends blessings at just the time I need them. And yesterday, Lee, was the blessing God sent. 

Another great reminder that no matter how I feel, I have a choice to be positive.... and usually when I choose the positive, God sends those extra blessings along... because that's when I'm most ready to accept them. 

Thanking God for His special blessings! 

Always on Duty

My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:2 (AMP)

The Eternal Creator of heaven and earth and these mountains will send the help I need. Psalm 121:2 (VOICE)

Help. Sometimes I know the help I need and other times, I don’t realize that I need help. 

I like to plan and prepare. However, I continue to learn that sometimes things happen for which you cannot prepare. On Nov 4, I was at a restaurant watching the Bears football game. I passed out. (Exciting Monday Night!)
Thankfully, those around me caught me so that I did not fall to the floor. The EMTs were called and I spent the night in the hospital for tests. Everything is fine and the doctors contributed the fainting to a combination of medications and the pain level itself. 

Some are now asking, were was God help that night. God provided LOTS of help! First and foremost that I was not driving when I passed out. Secondly, God caught the attention of those around me so that they could catch me, so that I did not hit the floor. The restaurant staff and customers were awesome. The EMTs that arrived and transported me to the hospital were helpful and very kind. And lastly, the hospital was able to attend to me quickly and took great care in making sure I was OK. God was there helping me each step of the way. I’m thankful that God provided all the help I needed—this time using strangers. 

Another example of God’s help happened this week. I went to take my pain medication and the bottle was almost empty. No problem, I have a larger bottle in the cupboard... OK, so I don’t, I had already emptied that bottle. Now what? Trying to get in to see my Dr. the week of Thanksgiving is almost impossible. That’s when God prompted me to check my pharmacy online... I did and I had one more refill before next week! So I was able to order the refill and have it before I ran out of medication. I was very thankful that God was way ahead of me on this one! He helped make sure I had the medications I needed, when I wasn’t paying attention. 

Help. I’m thankful that God is there to help, even when I don’t realize I need it. He’s such an awesome Heavenly Father! To create a positive day, I only have to rest the assurance that God is my help and He’s always on duty. 

My Personal ‘Need-Meeter’

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 121. Here is what I learned.

My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:2 (AMP)

The Eternal Creator of heaven and earth and these mountains will send the help I need. Psalm 121:2 (VOICE)

My help. I’ve mentioned it before... I tend to have a “do-it-myself” mentality. I’m self-sufficient. I’m strong. However, in reality..... I can’t do it myself. 

My help. My personal aid, supporter, advocate, interceder...... my ‘need-meeter’! God not only supplies any and all help I need.... He IS my help! My personal help! 

I like that word, “MY”. My own personal, exactly what I need, designed especially for me.... Help! 

All I have to do is say.... ‘help’. I need to accept God’s help. I need to realize that I don’t HAVE to do it on my own. I don’t need to struggle and fight..... I only need to accept God’s personally designed help. 

To create a positive day, I need to turn to my personal ‘need-meeter’, and accept Him and His personally designed help!

Consult Wise Counsel

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 13. Here is what I learned.

How long must I make decisions alone with sorrow in my heart day after day? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Psalm 13:2 (GW)

How long shall I take counsel in my soul, Having sorrow in my heart all the day? How long will my enemy be exalted over me? Psalm 13:2 (NASB)

How long - This refers to the third aspect of the case, or the third phase of the trouble, that is, that he was perplexed and embarrassed, having a deep and heavy sorrow in his heart, and he asks how long this was to continue. "Shall I take counsel in my soul." This refers to the methods which he endeavored to devise to escape from trouble. He was perplexed, persecuted, and apparently forsaken; and being thus apparently forsaken, he was constrained to attempt to devise some plan for his own deliverance, without interposition or help from on high. He was under a necessity of relying on himself; and he asks "how long" this was to continue, or when he might hope that God would interpose to aid him by his counsels, and thus to deliver him. Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Make decisions alone. That can lead to wrong choices, wrong thoughts, and making wrong decisions. Thankfully, I don’t HAVE TO make choices alone. First and foremost, God provides wisdom and council throughout His Word. Secondly, if I listen, the Holy Spirit gives guidance. And lastly, God has provided some amazing godly friends whom I can ask for help. 

Most often the times I choose to make decisions alone, is when I have already decided the outcome I want. It’s easy to justify a decision when I want to control what I do. Yet, when I have to live with the consequences of that decision... I only have myself to blame. 

Make decisions alone... is a choice that can lead to disastrous results. To create a positive day, I need to consult wise counsel before making decisions starting first with God, then consulting the friends God has provided to help keep me on track!

Accept Help

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 30. Here is what I learned.

Hear, O Lord, and have pity on me! O Lord, be my helper! Psalm 30:10 (GW)

Hear, O Lord, have mercy and be gracious to me! O Lord, be my helper! Psalm 30:10 (AMP)

So listen! and be kind! Help me out of this!” Psalm 30:10 (MSG)

"Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me." A short and comprehensive petition, available at all seasons, let us use it full often. It is the publican's prayer; be it ours. If God hears prayer, it is a great act of mercy; our petitions do not merit a reply. "Lord, be thou my helper." Another compact, expressive, ever fitting prayer. It is suitable to hundreds of the cases of the Lord's people; it is well becoming in the minister when he is going to preach, to the sufferer upon the bed of pain, to the toiler in the field of service, to the believer under temptation, to the man of God under adversity; when God helps, difficulties vanish. He is the help of his people, a very present help in trouble.  The Treasury of David 

“Blessings” by Laura Story

We pray for blessings

We pray for peace

Comfort for family, protection while we sleep

We pray for healing, for prosperity

We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering

All the while, You hear each spoken need

Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops

What if Your healing comes through tears

What if a thousand sleepless nights

Are what it takes to know You're near

What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom

Your voice to hear

And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near

We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love

As if every promise from Your Word is not enough

All the while, You hear each desperate plea

And long that we have faith to believe

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops

What if Your healing comes through tears

What if a thousand sleepless nights

Are what it takes to know You're near

And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us

When darkness seems to win

We know that pain reminds this heart

That this is not, this is not our home

It's not our home

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops

What if Your healing comes through tears

And what if a thousand sleepless nights

Are what it takes to know You're near

What if my greatest disappointments

Or the achings of this life

Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy

And what if trials of this life

The rain, the storms, the hardest nights

Are Your mercies in disguise

Maybe when we ask for help, we have our own preconceived ideas of exactly how God should help us. But God, in His great wisdom, knows better than we do, what help we actually need. 

To create a positive day, I need to not only ask God for help, but be ready to accept the help that God graciously gives. 

His Generosity!

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 13. Here is what I learned.

I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me. Psalm 13:6 (KJV)

I will sing to the Eternal, for He is always generous with me. Psalm 13:6 (VOICE)

I sing to the Lord because he has taken care of me. Psalm 13:6 (NCV)

I do sing to Jehovah, For He hath conferred benefits upon me! Psalm 13:6 (YLT)

I will sing unto the Lord,.... In prayer faith is encouraged, through believing the heart is filled with joy; and this joy is expressed by the lips, in songs of praise to the Lord, ascribing the glory of salvation to him, and giving him thanks for every mercy and blessing of life;

because he hath dealt bountifully with me; both in a way of providence and grace, granting life and preserving it, and supporting with the comforts of it; blessing with spiritual blessings, and crowning with loving kindness and tender mercies; all which is generous and bountiful dealing, and affords a just occasion of praise and thanksgiving. Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

Dealt bountifully, always generous, taken care of, conferred benefits upon me...... so often, when we hear those words, our minds toward the things we don’t have, rather than what we do have. 

If God is so generous, why don’t I have more... money, nicer things, etc? If God is so generous, why am I in pain, or sick, or ......? The lists continue. 

But I think that often we forget that God does not owe us anything. God in His mercy and grace first gave us the greatest gift, and that was His Son, Jesus, who died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins. God gave us the gift of salvation, we only have to accept it. 

Secondly, God does give us many blessings, but with a specific purpose and plan in mind. He created us that we would bring Him glory and honor. And we each do that in different ways. Some sing, some preach, some through friendships, some.... yes, even because of their pain and illness. 

I know that in my own life, God has used my pain to introduce me to people I never would have met otherwise. And I have met many because I use crutches. God in His goodness, has provided me with a ministry to encourage others who live with chronic pain or illness. Now, I would not have chosen this ministry on my own...but God chose it for me. He knew that for me to serve Him best, I’d need to be in pain. Now, just because I am in pain, doesn’t mean that God has forgotten me, for He continues to bless me beyond measure! I am amazed daily at God’s generosity and love. 

To create a positive day, I only need to start counting the blessings God has generously given me, for in counting the blessings, I praise God for His generosity!

Look Beyond the Steadfast Mountain

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 121. Here is what I learned.

I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there? Psalm 121:1 (NLT)

Look up: be content, to lift, carry.

Mountains: to loom up hillside, massive mountain, unmovable hill.

Where: how, what, which way.

Help: the one who will give aid, assistance, one who helps.

Come: abide, associate with, bring near.

Often when in trouble, pain, or fearful, we look to the strongest and most steadfast person or object we can find. That’s what Psalm 121:1 is describing. 

I contently focus my attention to the looming strength and power of the unmovable mountain. Where is the one who will help me staying and abiding? 

My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! Psalm 121:2 (NLT)

Help: the one who will give aid, assistance, one who helps.

From: accompanying, part of

Lord: of deity Yahweh.

Made: accomplish, fulfill, furnish.

Heavens: highest, horizon, sky.

Earth: land, countryside, world. 

God Himself is help, 

and consider the help He can provide 

considering He created and sustains

the far-reaching expanse of Heaven

and the World itself.

Looking to the things God created for help is futile. No matter how strong and powerful the person or object may be... God created it; therefore, God is the all-powerful One who is the true source of help. 

I must not put my hope in things around me or people, or the government for those will all fail. My hope and help is God Himself. I must contently focus my attention to God Almighty for He and He alone can give me the help I need.  

To create a positive day, I need to look beyond the steadfast mountain of earth, and focus my attention on God the only true source of help and hope. 

Personal Note: Thought I'd share an example of just how detailed God is at meeting my needs. Today's Ponder Morsel was so "on point" for me today. "Look beyond the steadfast mountain" Yesterday, the online news headlines were all about how Social Security Disability will run out before the next 4 years. (I'm on SS Disability due to a back injury that has resulted in permanent nerve/muscle damage in my lower back and left leg.) When I first read the reports yesterday, my head said, "My God shall supply all my needs", but since I continued to think about the "what ifs", I knew that I hadn't really given it over to God.
This morning as I read and studied Psalm 121 the truths surely hit home. Why was I looking to a mountain (government) to take care of me? God has USED it to provide so far—but as He has proven time and time again—God is NOT LIMITED by ANYTHING! God has resources and ways of meeting my needs that are BEYOND my comprehension.
So, I need to look beyond the steadfast mountain, and look to the true source of my help and hope—God Almighty Himself. Even today the example of supplying the TRUTH that I needed today to turn my focus back to HIM, show's a way God supplies all my needs! God is so good! Rhonda

Can you spare two cups of coffee?

During these tough times, the bills seem to be more than the income. However, if we look, and often not very hard, we can see areas where we can find a little extra money for a good cause. We find money for what is important to us.

In my last post, I mentioned Bruce, who is running across America to raise awareness for the Community Crisis Center, located in Elgin, Illinois. The Center was founded in 1975 by a group of dedicated volunteers to help those in crisis due to domestic violence, sexual assault, or economic circumstances.

6,275 individuals, including 593 children, received services in FY 2008. Our staff worked with 1,539 victims of domestic violence and 372 child witnesses to domestic violence. We provided 11,325 nights of emergency shelter to 308 women and 295 children.

Step by Step,
Foot by Foot
Take a step with Bruce...

Donate $12

Bruce is literally donating his feet (and entire self) to this cause. This makes his feet key to the movement. So we thought, what if you could buy every step Bruce takes? There are 12 inches in a foot, thus the idea was born. With every step, Bruce runs to make sure there's always a safe place to go. He runs so that his past helps create a better future for others. 12 inches × 5,280 feet × 3,000 miles = endless possibilities!

To donate, click on this link!

It's very easy to do,

and will help many people.

http://www.crisiscenter.org/run/#Donate.

You can create a positive day simply by giving up just 2 cups of coffee this week. Often we look at our circumstances and say we can't do anything. To create a positive day, sometimes means a small sacrifice on our part. In this case, only $12.
To all of you who took that time to click on the link and donate, THANK YOU! Please share this great cause with your friends. Let's encourage Bruce and all the staff and volunteers at the Crisis Center!

It's cold....but you can make it warmer!

The other day I had to go out in the cold harsh Chicago winter... okay so it wasn't as cold as it is today (wind chills of -21), but it was still cold! As always, I find it interesting to how people respond to me. Since I use crutches, people know something is "wrong". Yet, since I've used them for almost 8 years now, I've learned a few tricks to getting around.

The responses can be broken into 3 categories: 

1. Some people want to go out of their way to help me.

2. Others stare as I maneuver around boxes and displays left in the middle of aisles.

3. And then others.... just shake their heads and shout a "don't worry you won't have to use them for much longer".

I find it interesting that the people most ready to help me, are the ones struggling themselves. They are either older or have a few kids in tow. They reach out to help, because they understand.

The people who stare, are often younger or middle aged. From their looks, I often wonder if they are thinking, "what if that was me?". When I see someone staring, I smile and tell them to have a great day! They usually quickly look away or run down the next aisle.

Now the ones who shout, "you won't have to use them for much longer". (I wonder what they know that my doctors and I don't.) But, I can take that comment as a compliment! I have learned to maneuver so well on my crutches, people think that I'm almost "healed" and ready to discard them. That means in the 8 years of using them, I've "MASTERED CRUTCHES"!! Wonder if there is an award or honor for that??!!

Why would someone shout something when they have no idea if it's true? It's simple. They mean well. None of us want anyone to be in pain or struggle. We can't imagine someone having to use crutches or canes for more than a few weeks, or maybe a couple of months. Crutches are associated with "short term" injuries. The people who tell me that it's almost time to get rid of the crutches are trying to encourage me. They want me to know that there is an end in sight. Even if for me, the crutches are long term, they want to offer hope.

Hope. Sharing hope will warm a heart....
if it's not false hope!

We can offer real hope, not some false hope
of getting rid of crutches.
We have eternal hope in God.

God loves us and provides eternal life. 
That is real hope!

Yes, it's cold outside, but you can make it warmer for someone else. Don't just shout "God loves you!" Put that truth into action! If you see someone who needs help, don't stare, or give advise..... just help. You may see a person struggling to open a door. Or a person trying to find a pen, or pick up something they dropped. Whatever, the situation, be aware of others around you and make the effort to offer a helping hand.

Offering aid to someone will warm your heart and believe me it will warm the heart of the person you help. It only takes a moment to offer a helping hand, but the warmth you generate will remain throughout the coldest day.

Creating a positive day is not always about you. More often then not, it's about reaching out to others and putting others first. You can make your day more positive by making the day positive for someone else. Your actions speak louder than words.... let others see that God loves them.... show them He cares.... it's easy....just be helpful and kind.

Sept 14-20, 2009

96% of Illness is Invisible - Awareness Week Validates Those Who “look so good!” but Feel Awful

SAN DIEGO (2009) Nearly 1 in 2 Americans has a chronic condition, and 96% of them live with an illness that is invisible. These people do no use a cane or any assistive device and may look perfectly healthy. Sixty percent are between the ages of 18 and 64.

September 14-20, 2009 is National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week. The theme is “A Little Help Gives a Lot of Hope.” It is a major public awareness campaign sponsored by Rest Ministries, an organization that offers a supportive environment for those who live with chronic illness or pain. Sept 14-18 NICIAW features a free virtual conference with 4 seminars each day available to listen to live or download later.

Paul J. Donoghue and Mary Siegel, co-sponsors of the week and authors of Sick and Tired of Feeling Sick and Tired: Living With Invisible Chronic Illness say, “Invisible chronic illnesses (ICI) have symptoms that are difficult to see and impossible to measure such as pain and fatigue. So those with ICI frequently encounter not compassion and support but impatience and skepticism from physicians and loved ones.”

“Living with an illness that is invisible to those around us can often have a more devastating affect on our emotional health than the physical pain,” explains Lisa Copen, 40, the founder of Rest Ministries who lives with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. She was recently awarded the Audience’s Choice Award for Women’s Health Hero of Our Bodies Ourselves out of nearly one hundred applicants. “Each day we must choose to thrive, to do something out of the ordinary, or make a new friend. It’s easy to get in the habit of living a life of survival.”

“A large part of our campaign is reminding people that just a little help to someone who is ill or hurting can give them a lot of hope.” says Copen. “Just because someone isn’t using a wheelchair doesn’t mean that she doesn’t have a disability. Friends and family of those with chronic illness care a great deal about what their loved ones are going through, but oftentimes the invisibility of the illness sets up an environment for misunderstandings and even doubt about the validity of the illness. We hope to increase awareness of how many people ‘look great’ but are hurting deeply.”

Outreach includes various events: the distribution of free literature such as cards with multiple ways to encourage a chronically ill friend. Other resources include You Look So Good: A Guide to Understanding and Encouraging People With Chronic, Debilitating Illness and Pain. Churches and organizations across the U.S. will be participating by in having people share their stories.

For a complete list of events and resources visit www.invisibleillness.com.