People vs plans.

I'm a planner. I like to organize what will happen when. I'm not much for being taken by surprise (although some surprises are really nice!). 

God is continually teaching me that His plan is much better than mine. He has to continually teach me because I often forget lessons learned.

This Thanksgiving/Christmas season, it's easy to become focused on what has to be done (cooking, decorating, etc) that we forget the people.

God reminded me again, yesterday, that people are more important than a timetable I created. Talking with people builds relationships and that leads to opportunities to share God's love and encourage others.

I'm learning to focus more on people and less on if the Turkey is perfect, or if the table is set with the best dishes, etc. Sometimes easy is better for all involved and then the attention can be given to those in attendance.

Think about it for a moment. What do you remember from past Holidays? I remember the silly things that happened, what we laughed about, or who was there. I can't tell you what dishes we ate off of, or how the table was set. 
Memories that are of people are the most precious. Memories created with smiles, laughter, and love last longer than the Thanksgiving turkey!

People vs plans. 
I am praying that I remember that, but if I forget, God will gently remind me again.
May your Thanksgiving be filled with opportunities to create memories with family and friends. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Change of Plans — Again!

I don't talk much about my life with chronic pain. However, sometimes people ask questions, so I try to answer them. One aspect of chronic pain, that I often struggle with, is scheduling and commitments. 

I am a planner. I like to have things on the calendar, so that I can prepare and be ready for the events of any given day. Yet, there are days that my pain/headache do not take into consideration what is on my schedule. 

Today, was "one of those days". I had planned to fulfill a commitment (that had already had to be rescheduled from last week). Yet, this morning, I awoke with a severe headache. Worse than usual. I started the "headache routine" that involves, meds, essential oils, ice packs, trigger points. 

As I waited for the headache to lessen, I had to make a decision. Could I fulfill the commitment this morning? 

Yes, I could— BUT would it be the smart thing to do? I also have another commitment this afternoon, that can't be changed. Knowing that I have a unchangeable commitment this afternoon, I made the choice to reschedule (once again) this mornings plans. 

For me, that is so very frustrating. I hate not being able to do something I had planned. However, my body can only tolerate so much. So, I need to allow my body time to heal this morning, and lay low. 

Thankfully, the other people involved in my cancelation this morning, are fully understanding. They've been along side of my pain journey for most of the past 16 years. They get it. 

If you know someone who lives in chronic pain, or has an invisible illness (i.e. autoimmune disease, lyme, chronic headache, diabetes, etc) please be patient if they have to reschedule—even multiple times. It's not that they don't want to do an activity, it's just that their bodies won't allow it. Or they have to save their energy for an upcoming event that they simply can't miss. Please don't read anything into the cancelation of plans. Changing plans is not the desired thing! So, often we look forward to that event and doing something out of the norm. So, please be patient, understanding, and most of all encouraging! I'm so thankful that the people who have come along side of me are all of those. 

The key to living with a chronic illness/pain is flexibility. And realizing that things are beyond a person's control. It's about taking comfort knowing that even if things have to be rescheduled, it's OK! 

Why am I sharing this? So that others with chronic illness know that this is reality, and that it's ok. So that others without pain/illness learn why plans change. 

Today, is not what I had planned. However, my headache level is no surprise to God Almighty. He is fully aware of my pain and headache. Therefore, I take comfort in knowing that for whatever reason, God has allowed my plans to change today. It could be so that I write this post, to encourage someone, or it could be that God wanted to protect me from an accident, or it could be that God just me to take time to be still. 

So, if you know someone who lives with chronic pain/illness, please take time to understand a bit of their life. And take time to pray for them. 

If you have any questions, please ask. And remember, not all chronic illness/pain is the same. So, my answers may differ from one who suffers with a different illness.

Thanks Living: God knows me!

Read this quote.  

"I am graven on the palms of His (God's) hands. I am never out of His mind. All my knowledge of Him depends on His sustained initiative in knowing me. I know Him, because He first knew me, and continues to know me. He knows me as a friend, One who loves me; and there is no moment when His eye is off me, or His attention distracted for me, and no moment, therefore, when His care falters." J.I. Packer

Now, read it again.  

Wow! If the truth of that quote doesn't encourage your heart and soul—read it again and let the truth sink in—God knows YOU! Wow!

Thanks Living, realizing that God almighty knows me, and cares for me! 

God blesses. I am to bless.

Ruth 2:18-23

After a day of hard work, Ruth returned home to Namoi and shared all that had happened. I love Naomi's responses. First, she blessed the man who noticed Ruth, and was kind to her. Then she said,  "Blessed be he of the Lord who has not ceased his kindness." Then she asked where Ruth had gleaned. 

I wonder the look of astonishment on Naomi's face. Boaz, the nearest kinsman, who rightfully was to care for Naomi and her family. Out of all the fields, Ruth could have ended up in—she was in one that belonged to Boaz. That was not by luck, rather it was purely designed by God. 

As I look back over my life, I am so thankful for God's leading and direction. He made sure that I was in the "right place" at the "right time". I'm so thankful for the people He introduced me to, that have blessed me along the way. And I'm so thankful that those people acted in accordance with God's will. 

I have been blessed by God, by people who have been wiling to be blessings.

It makes me stop and think:

• Am I willing to be used by God to bless others?

• Am I acting on those promptings from God, when He wants me to help or encourage someone?

• Am I first of all thanking God for His goodness, and then thanking those who are sharing God's blessing with me? 

God blesses. We in turn are to bless others. We are to be thankful to God, for His blessings. We are to be thankful to those who bless us. 

When my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), I will be ready to accept God's blessings, and in turn I'll be ready to share those blessings with others. My prayer is that I'll be a blessing and encouragement and that I'll never take for granted the blessings God has given me. 

Refresher of Hearts

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my study of Philemon.   

I, Paul, write it with my own hand, I promise to repay it [in full]—and that is to say nothing [of the fact] that you owe me your very self! Yes, brother, let me have some profit from you in the Lord. Cheer and refresh my heart in Christ. Philemon 1:19-20 (AMP)

“Refresh” - ἀνάπαυσόν anapauson- means “to give rest to, to give repose, to free from sorrow or care;” and the sense is, that by receiving Onesimus, Philemon would cause the deep and anxious feelings of Paul to cease, and he would be calm and happy. 

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible

Cheer and refresh my heart. Do my actions cheer and refresh the hearts of others? That would be an awesome daily goal—be a refresher of hearts! 

How does one be a "refresher of hearts"? 

Well, first and foremost, it all begins with a relationship with Christ. Then that relationship with Christ must impact one's daily life and relationships with others  (Colossians 3; Put On). And as that relationship with Christ impacts relationships with others, then one can be a "refresher of hearts". 

Refresher of hearts. 

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed andrestored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]. James 5:16

To be a "refresher of hearts", my own heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

Joy-Giver

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my study of Philemon. 

For I have derived great joy and comfort and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints [who are your fellow Christians] have been cheered and refreshed through you, [my] brother. Philemon 1:7 (AMP)

This verse shows the importance of encouraging and helping others. Philemon encouraged and gave joy to others and this in turn encouraged and gave Paul joy as he heard about what Philemon was doing. 

Philemon as a "joy-giver". That's a great reputation to have! Being a "joy-giver" begins with helping and encouraging those at home, then in your neighborhood, and then as word spreads can encourage others. 

Being a "joy-giver" starts with a heart right with God. Again this goes back the study of Colossians 3:1-17 "put on". And Philemon 1:5, "your love and of your loyal faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus". As one loves God and "puts on" the characteristics of God's love, then the result can be becoming a "joy-giver"!

A "joy-giver" begins with a heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For out of the heart filled with love and respect for God, will flow the joy and encouragement to all those around you. 

A Positive Report

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing

Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians.    

I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are faring and that he may comfort and cheer and encourage your hearts. Colossians 4:8 (AMP)

The results of sharing a positive news report is comfort, cheer and encouragement! It's always great to hear a "positive report" on someone. Paul wanted the Colossians to know how he was doing. So he sent a message with Tychicus. 

As I read this verse, I had to stop and think of the conversations I have with others. Are my words comforting? Do I cause cheer? Do my words encourage others? Are my conversations positive? Or are my words divisive? Do my words cause strife? Do my words cause discord? Am I sharing only the negative? 

Words are powerful. The words I share can create an atmosphere of peace or war. Remember Colossians 4:6? Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with the grace of God. 

Paul could have complained to the people of Colossians. He had suffered much because of sharing the gospel of God. Paul wanted to share how well he was doing—and that is because Paul had a positive attitude of what God was doing. We know from other writings of Paul, that Paul knew how to be content no matter his situation. He sang praises from prison. Paul knew that God was greater than any situation he found himself—therefore, Paul could be positive! 

So Paul shared how he was doing, and used a trustworthy messenger to share a positive report to encourage others. 

If I want to my conversations to be positive, it all begins with a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For no matter my situation, I know that God is in control. Therefore, I can focus on the positive and encourage others by sharing God's amazing love.

True Bond

For I want you to know how great is my solicitude for you [how severe an inward struggle I am engaged in for you] and for those [believers] at Laodicea, and for all who [like yourselves] have never seen my face and known me personally. Colossians 2:1 (AMP)

The Question: Why would someone have great concern for others, when he had never met them? 

The answer: "Those believers."  

The bond of true Christians is not based on if we go to the same church, or if we live in the some community, or even the same state. The true bond of Christians is Jesus Christ. And that bond makes miles disappear and unites people all over the world. 

The internet has made our world much smaller, in that we can have instant access to other Continents. It wasn't that long ago, where we'd have to wait months to receive a letter from around the world. Now, we wait seconds. 

With the instant access of the World at out grasp, the question then is: Am I using it to draw closer to other believers? Am I using it to encourage them? 

Paul had great concern for other believers, even those he never met. If I am to have that same concern, it begins in my heart. And for my heart to beat with the love and concern for others, it must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

Strength to My Soul

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 138. Here is what I learned.

When I called, you answered me. You made me bold by strengthening my soul. Psalm 138:3 (GW) 

On the day I ·called [prayed] to you, you answered me. You ·made me strong and brave [have emboldened/encouraged my soul with strength]. Psalm 138:3 (EXB)

On the day I needed You, I called, and You responded and infused my soul with strength. Psalm 138:3 (VOICE)

"And strengthenedst me with strength in my soul." This was a true answer to his prayer. If the burden was not removed, yet strength was given wherewith to bear it, and this is an equally effective method of help. It may not be best for us that the trial should come to an end; it may be far more to our advantage that by its pressure we should learn patience. Sweet are the uses of adversity, and our prudent Father in heaven will not deprive us of those benefits. Strength imparted to the soul is an inestimable boon; it means courage, fortitude, assurance, heroism. By his word and Spirit the Lord can make the trembler brave, the sick whole, the weary bright. This soul-might will continue: the man having been strengthened for one emergency remains vigorous for life, and is prepared for all future labours and sufferings; unless, indeed, he throw away his force by unbelief, or pride, or some other sin. When God strengthens, none can weaken. Then is our soul strong indeed when the Lord infuses might into us. The Treasury of David

Today, I had a great example of this truth. When I got up this morning, I was discouraged. My pain level has been “too high” since surgery, and it was taking its toll on my spirit. When I got up this morning and checked Twitter, I saw that Patsy Clairmont was going to be speaking and the church was showing it online, live! God knew that the joy that Patsy would share would not only lift my spirits, but the truth she’d share would be just what “God ordered” for my soul. 

I think one of the points that stood out to me the most was the concept of “hearing aids for the heart”. So often we don’t hear what God is saying because we aren’t listening and we allow so much noise to block God’s voice. Listening to Patsy Clairmont this morning, strengthened my soul and God knew exactly what I needed, so He made sure I saw the tweet, so I could enjoy His message send via Patsy.

To create a positive day, I only have to ask God and He will answer me giving strength to my soul!  

Follow the Examples

Throughout this year, each day of the month, I'm "Treasure Hunting" in a Psalm. I've created a "Ponder Every Morsel of Truth" Book to record the truths as I learn them. The fifteen of each month, I'm studying Psalm 8. Here's what Treasure I found today.

You made him a little less than the angels and gave him a crown of greatness and honor. Psalm 8:5 (NLV)

The angel was made immortal, intellectual, holy, powerful, glorious, and in these properties lay their likeness to the Creator. Henry Melvill, B.D., 1854

What do we know about angels?

Worship and praise - This is the main activity portrayed in heaven (Isaiah 6:1-3; Revelation 4-5).

Revealing - They serve as messengers to communicate God's will to men. They helped reveal the law to Moses (Acts 7:52-53), and served as the carriers of much of the material in Daniel, and Revelation.

Guiding - Angels gave instructions to Joseph about the birth of Jesus (Matthew 1-2), to the women at the tomb, to Philip (Acts 8:26), and to Cornelius (Acts 10:1-8).

Providing - God has used angels to provide physical needs such as food for Hagar (Genesis 21:17-20), Elijah (1 Kings 19:6), and Christ after His temptation (Matthew 4:11).

Delivering - Getting God's people out of danger once they're in it. Angels released the apostles from prison in Acts 5, and repeated the process for Peter in Acts 12.

Strengthening and encouraging - Angels strengthened Jesus after His temptation (Matt 4:11), encouraged the apostles to keep preaching after releasing them from prison (Acts 5:19-20), and told Paul that everyone on his ship would survive the impending shipwreck (Acts 27:23-25).

Answering prayer - God often uses angels as His means of answering the prayers of His people (Daniel 9:20-24; 10:10-12; Acts 12:1-17).

Caring for believers at the moment of death - In the story of Lazarus and the rich man, we read that angels carried the spirit of Lazarus to “Abraham's bosom” when he died (Luke 16:22). 

Dr. John Bechtle

I can’t do all that angels do. However, by following the examples of angels, there are things that I can do. Worship and Praise God. Strengthen and Encourage. Be Involved in Prayer. 

Worship and Praise God.  The angels sing: “Amen! Praise, glory, wisdom, thanks, honor, power, and strength be to our God forever and ever! Amen!” Revelation 7:12 Shouldn’t I do the same? 

Strengthen and Encourage. But at night an angel from the Lord opened the doors to their cell and led them out of the prison. 20 The angel told them, “Stand in the temple courtyard, and tell the people everything about life in Christ.” Acts 5:19-20 (GW) Isn’t the the encouraging message that I need to share, too?

Be Involved in Prayer. God has used angels to answer prayers and provide help. My responsibility is to pray! And need be... help if God calls on me to do so. 

If I follow the examples that the angels demonstrated, that would create a very positive, God honoring day.

OUCH!

OUCH! 

That's a funny word. It almost sounds like a sneeze ... "ouch". Am I right? Yet, it conveys that we are in pain. We utter it when we hit our thumb with a hammer, or hit our funny bone. And we also utter it when we are in extreme pain. The word conveys that there is pain, but not how much pain. 

A few weeks ago, I started withdrawing from my morphine and Tylenol 4 so that I could undergo a new treatment. During this process my pain level has increased. I miss my pain medications. Not because I crave them, because I don't like pain. Yes, it's that simple. I don't like pain.

Normally, pain is a good thing. It's a warning sign that our bodies are in danger. Whether it's touching a hot stove, to doing too much exercise. If we pull a muscle, or sprain an ankle, our bodies alert our brains using pain signals. God made our bodies so that we can protect ourselves. We can't see the inside of our bodies, but pain alerts us that something is wrong.

However, chronic pain overloads the brain with signals.  The brain increases the pain trying to get us to 'stop' the activity and ease the source of pain. But because the pain is from nerves or muscles that are permanently damaged, there is no "fixing" the source. Those of us who live in chronic pain, learn techniques to trick the brain and "confuse" the pain signals so that our brains believes that we are in less pain. We use things such as TENS units which send a variety of tingling signals that fill up the "pain gates" allowing few pain signals to reach the brain. Sound crazy doesn't it? But it works, some. We also may use ice, heat, or medications to cover up the pain. 

The past few days my pain level been the highest I remember. I just want the pain to stop.... but it doesn't. So, what do I do? I can stay in bed all day and cry....... OR I can CREATE A POSITIVE DAY!

Over the past 10 years, I've learned an important lesson about pain. When my pain increases, I first take inventory to see if it's a "new pain" or the same. If it's a "new pain", I check to see if I injured myself, and address the new injury.  If however, it's the same pain, I know that I'm not doing more injury to myself, so I can continue living my life. If I focus on the pain and feel sorry for myself, the pain increases even more!

However, if I do something....

my brain becomes preoccupied and

doesn't have time to focus on the pain. 

One thing which I really enjoy doing when my pain because "unbearable" is to encourage someone else. How can you encourage someone when you are in pain? It's actually easy! Send an email, an e-card, a card, call someone, .....whatever, and let someone know that you are thinking of them! Think of what encourages you... and pass it along to someone else! It will make you feel GREAT! and the receiver will have a better day too!!! 

There are 2 choices

when living with chronic pain:

1. Focus on the pain and be miserable.

2. Focus on others  and ENJOY the day!

ME—I'd much rather enjoy my day than be miserable! I think I'll go create some scrapbook cards and encourage someone's day.....

that will turn this unbearable pain day

into a very positive one!

Changing Habits

Not sure about you, but this last week of the year, is...well, strange. I'm winding down from all the Christmas activities, and it's not quite time to begin the "New Year's" activities.... then I thought why not?

Why can't I begin working on the New Year's Resolutions now? What is it about Jan 1st? It's not a "magic" date. "If you begin your resolutions on Jan 1st you will succeed". We all know that's not true.

This year, I'm doing several things differently. One, I'm not making resolutions, I am working on creating HABITS! I want to create habits which will have a positive impact in my life. 

My chiropractor has a very unique idea. He has 6 Factors of Health, which he's divided into the year. Every 2 months, we will work on creating a new health habit to build on the one created the months before. January and February the focus is Nutrition. I'm still working on my Nutrition habit, but it will do with eating proper meals on time. (I tend to eat when I remember or not at all... rather than when my body needs nutrients.)

I'm also creating a habit to be thankful. To help me with this habit, each day I'm writing down at least one thing for which I'm thankful.

Another habit I want to create is to be more aware of and encourage others. I have to figure out exactly what I want to do, and how to make it into a habit.

It's not about a date, or creating some unobtainable goal, rather it's about what habits do I want to change, or create. I like the idea of building on habits throughout the year. The end result is to become a better person. Maybe if I do it slowly over the entire year, the habits I create will actually become part of my life. Habits don't happen all at once.. they are CREATED.

Beginning today, I will begin creating new habits.

Creating a positive day is about habits. To make creating a positive day a habit, write down something positive about each day... then increase it to several times a day.. than as many times as you need to remind yourself that there is much of which you can be positive!

Thanks to Digi Web Studio (www.digiwebstudio.com) for the penguin artwork used to create this blog post.

6 days and counting

Had to get the pre-surgery tests done today. I thought I knew where to go. But when I arrived I was told I was at the wrong place. I had a choice to make. Go back to the valet and drive down to the other area, or walk to through the hospital. I figured I'd walk. Good thing I did! When I arrived a the 'other' place, I was told I was to go to the first place. So I slowly walked back. Very glad I hadn't moved my car!
Finally, got through the registration and waited again for the tests. The actual tests took about 10 min. The entire time at the hospital....2.5 hours! I'm now back home waiting for my pain meds to kick in.
While I was at the hospital I noticed many people wandering the halls, waiting, and working. I noticed when I'd smile at someone or say hello, they were almost shocked. The more kindness I showed the more it seemed to multiply. Since you register in one area and then go to another for the testing, you see many of the same people. I noticed that the people I smiled at or greeted were doing the same thing to others in the next area.
It was interesting to see smiles and hellos spread instead of the germs we were all trying to avoid. It doesn't take much to smile at someone. Since people are at the hospital for a reason...usually not a good one....they are often sad, upset, or down. When they see a smile, or are greeted kindly, it gives them a glimmer of hope....plus it makes you feel better too.
As we were all waiting in the final waiting room, it was fun to see people greet the 'new comer" with a smiles and hellos. As the seats filled up in the waiting room, people were trying to make more room or make sure the 'needer' ones had a seat. The kindness was continuing to spread. Even the kids seemed calmer as they waited.
Looking back over this morning...it was more hectic then I had planned. But it made me more aware of others around me. I was focused on getting my tests done and getting back home to take my pain meds. But God wanted me to notice others. He knew that by making me walk around the hospital, it would make me more aware of others and what they are enduring. God knew that there were people who needed a glimmer of hope today. And God choose me to offer that hope.

Today, God changed my plans a bit to help me create a positive day for others as well as myself. Creating a positive day isn't always about you. Rather it's about sharing God's hope with others, even if it's just a smile.

3 minute Investment

This week, it was confirmed that I'll have surgery number 8 on my back. As far as surgeries go, this should be a "minor" one. I sent an email to some people who have been praying for me with the date and time.
It was amazing how encouraging several of the responding emails have been. None have been very long, or profound...just simple statements of support and more prayers. Or even people saying how I've encouraged them with my attitude through all this.
I'm amazed how a note or email can lift one's spirit. Yet, I put off sending a note, because I think I'm too busy, or I don't know what to say. Personally, it's not how long the message is or what is actually said....but rather the person thought enough and took the time to send me a note.
Today I timed how long it took to write an address on an envelope and sign a card...the entire action...including the stamp and sealing the envelope....took less than 3 minutes! Yes. LESS than 3 minutes. Do I know someone who is worth just 3 minutes of my time? I know many who I'm sure would enjoy receiving a card from me. So, I think after I post this blog, I'm going to spend 15 minutes and send out some cards. Maybe, I'll start spending 10 or 15 every day to send a card to write an email to someone.
I'd say that 3 minutes of my time to encourage someone is a wise investment with a return even Wall Street can't beat!

Creating a positive day for yourself, is so easy if you create a positive day for someone else!

GREAT web seminars!

Do you or someone you know live with pain or an illness? Then you will want to visit http://invisibleillnessweek.com/. September 14-20 is Invisible Illness Awareness Week. The website has a list of web seminars which you can listen live or the taped version. Many topics full of helpful information!

If you know of someone living with an illness, please let them know of this great resource. There is information about insurance, relationships, applying for disability, and many other topics. Often people living with an illness or pain, think they are all alone. Invisible Illness Awareness Week lets them know that they are not alone and that there are many resources available!

Create a positive day by sharing information which may encourage someone else. It's free and takes just a few minutes to share the information!

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.

Perspective

Perspective. It truly effects how we see things and respond to them. If my perspective is inward and all about me, my problems and situation become overwhelming. When I see everything else through "me" my perspective is warped. My sight is limited and clouded by my judgment and thoughts.

If I change my perspective to see things from another person's, things look very different. Often my situation seems small in comparison. That doesn't mean my situation is less significant, rather I see it through new eyes.

Another thing about perspective. The more I look inward and the focus is on me, I miss so many opportunities to encourage someone else. If all I do is look at my situation and problems, they will continue to grow. However, by looking at another person's life and situation, I can give encouragement and support. Personally, I'd rather give encouragement and support, than wallow in my own self-pity and problems.

Change your perspective and create a positive day for yourself and someone else! The change is well worth it,—but then again it's all a matter of perspective!