Counting Blessings!

Last year, I posted the poem below on my Blessings Celebration date. I'm posting it again, because it is that time of year for me to specifically focus on God's wonderful blessings. 

If you want to create a positive day, week, year... just take some time to notice God's blessings, and then thank Him for each one. I guarantee that each day you do this, you won't have any trouble creating a positive day! 

(Click on the image for a larger view.)

10th Anniversary Blessings Celebration!

Oct 25, 2000, I injured my back. Each year in October, I celebrate God's amazing blessings. This year, I wasn't sure what I was going to do for my

"Blessings Celebration" 

—but God took care of it.
in some AMAZING ways!

Last week, I was searching for events which I could attend to "Celebrate". However, each event was either too expensive, or would cause too much pain. So, I took some time to discuss my "Blessings Celebration" with God again. Since I am celebrating HIM and HIS GOODNESS... I wanted Him to have a say in what I did. 

As I was praying the phone rang... I didn't recognize the name or number, but I answered it.... good thing I did! I won a contest!
(Actually, I was the runner-up; however the Grand Prize winner never contacted the station, so I was given the GRAND PRIZE! But that was a GOD thing too! If they had called me first, I would have missed the call too...since I was in Macon visiting family! When God sends a gift, He takes care of ALL the details!)

The grand prize is a HUGE GRILL, a grill pack fit for a cowboy and a music CD. WOW! God gave me a small grill a few months ago... but this new grill will make it easier for me to grill—no bending over.

Love those surprise gifts from God! 

(I'll post pictures of my prizes when I receive them.)

I was rejoicing over the gift of my new grill...

But God wasn't done yet!

A friend called me and invited me to attend a Damaris Carbaugh concert! (Her CD,  "Not Ashamed" has been a blessing in my life for several years.) 

On Friday, Oct 15th, I attended the concert. It was a WONDERFUL night of praising and worshiping God. The concert was great, and Damaris sang my favorite song, "He's Been Faithful". Another added blessing from God!

BUT He still wasn't done! 

God arranged it so that I could meet Damaris! What BLESSING that was. The JOY of the evening

will last in my heart forever. 

I don't post many pictures...okay, I don't post any pictures of me.. but this is an exception. Here is a picture of Damaris and me after the concert. 

"I pray that God will take care of all your needs with the wonderful blessings that come from Christ Jesus!" Philippians 4:19 (Contemporary English Version)

Over the past 10 years, God has taken care of my needs with WONDERFUL BLESSINGS! And the past few days, God has created the most amazing and positive days for me as I celebrate Him and His goodness!

And His positive days

are well worth

remembering forever! 

Some pics from my recent trip

I'm now back from my trip visiting family. Had a good time. Here are a few pictures of my 5-year-old niece and some of the fun we had together.

As you can see from her smile...

creating a positive day
wasn't too hard!

(If you want to see a large image, just click on the picture.

A larger picture will open in a new window.

Then hit your "back" button to return to this page.)

Excuse or Legitimate Reason?

Yesterday was the start of Invisible Illness Week. The panel discussion was very good. If you missed it you can still listen to it at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/invisibleillnessconf

During the discussion, the topic turned  to house cleaning. To most people, vacuuming, doing the dishes, laundry, dusting, etc. isn't the most enjoyable job; however, it's not a big deal. Yet, to those of us who live with chronic pain and or illness,  house cleaning is a VERY BIG deal.

Have you tried to vacuum while using crutches or a cane? Have you tried to empty the dish washer when you can't bend the waist? Or tried dusting when you can't lift your arm above shoulder level? Or tried to clean the tub/shower when you can't stretch to reach the wall? Or tried to do any chores when your body is screaming out in pain? 

One thing which I am learning is the difference between an "EXCUSE" and a "LEGITIMATE REASON". Am I putting off cleaning the kitchen, because my pain is just too high to accomplish that task at this moment? Or would I rather simply put off the chore because I'd rather watch TV or be on FaceBook? If I really CANNOT do that task at this moment, than I need to give myself permission to rest. However, if I simply don't want to do the task, then I need to change my thinking. 

I guess I look at it this way. If I am having a "better moment" and I'm able to clean the kitchen, but am avoiding it because I don't want to do it... then I'm not being responsible. If I really can't do the chore at this moment, I need to give myself permission to rest and "reschedule" the chore for a later time.

One thing I've learned about living with chronic pain, is that I can't clean the entire apartment in one day. Oh, I used to be able to do that, before my injury. But now, I have to break down the house work into sections and I try to do a little each day. I am also leaning to give myself permission to change the schedule, if my pain level is just too high.

Excuse or legitimate reason?

It all depends on the moment. 

When the apartment is clean and in order, I feel so much better. There is nothing like enjoying a clean home. If I overdo the cleaning, than my pain level becomes too high to enjoy the end result. Being responsible includes taking into account what my body can do, and what needs to be done. 

The only way to create a positive day

is to be honest with myself

as to whether I'm making excuses,

or have legitimate reasons.

Invisible Illness Week Conf Workshops

My last few posts have been about Invisible Illness Week. Here is a list of the workshops. If you can't listen live, don't worry, the sessions will be archived. So you can listen when it fits your schedule. 

I'd recommend listening to all the topics, even if you don't think they apply to you directly. Often ideas and information is shared that fits many situations. 

If you want to CREATE A POSITIVE WEEK... be sure to listen to Invisible Illness Week Conference Workshops!

Invisible Illness Week Conf Workshops

ABOUT THE WEEK

• Programs will occur M-F, September 13-17, 10:30 – 12 PACIFIC time; 12:30-2 PM CENTRAL TIME; 1:30 PM – 3 PM EASTERN TIME USA.
• You listen to them live on your computer or can listen later. They will automatically go to itunes too if you wish to download them your ipod of MP3 player.
• To listen, click here InvisibleIllnessConference.com and turn up your speakers. If it is the right time, the program will start playing immediately.

YOUR HOST

Lisa Copen is the founder of Rest Ministries, the largest Christian organization that specifically serves the chronically ill. She has authored nine books, including resources for over 300 HopeKeepers groups, a small group program of Rest Ministries. Through various sources including National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week, which she started in 2002, she seeks to encourage churches to increase an outreach to the chronically ill nearly 1 in 2 people in the U.S. Lisa’s works have been published in a variety of periodicals and books and she has been a guest of radio programs Decision Today, Family Life and Joni and Friends. She is a sought-after speaker who brings joy and humor, as well as hope, to those who are suffering or live with chronic illness.

Lisa resides in San Diego with her husband and 7-year-old son, and has lived with degenerative rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia since 1993. She will be hosting the programs for Invisible Illness Week out of her home office.

MONDAY – SEPTEMBER 13, 2010

LIVING WITH INVISIBLE ILLNESS, WHY IT HURTS, HOW TO COPE

Georgia Shaffer is a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania and a certified life coach. For over 15 years, she has enhanced people’s lives by teaching how to identify: “What needs to grow? What needs to go?” She is also is on the teaching staff of the Christian Leaders, Authors & Speakers Seminar (CLASS) and Personality Plus. She has great insight into why we do what we do, which she has shared in her books and will be sharing with us!

Author and speaker Maureen Pratt lives with multiple illnesses, including organ-involved lupus, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, hypothyroidism, and chronic back pain. Through her books, including “Peace in the Storm: Meditations on Chronic Pain & Illness,” articles, and talks, she encourages others to deepen their faith and Christian walk in spite of and with living with chronic illness.

Mary Yerkes is a professional life coach who specializes in working with the chronically ill. Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases in 1997, Mary combines years of practical experience with her professional training to help the chronically ill build meaningful and significant lives, of which illness is only a part. She is also an author and speaker. To learn more about Coach Mary and the services she offers, visit www.newlifechristiancoaching.com .

TUESDAY – SEPTEMBER 14, 2010

RELATIONSHIPS

Allison Bottke is the woman behind God Allows U-Turns and now Setting Boundaries. Do you have an adult child who is breaking your heart? An aging parent taking up your whole life? A problem with food? Allison’s resources can help you discover SANITY and take back your life. Between books and support groups around the country, Allison is one who has “been there” and knows it’s hard to set boundaries, but necessary for your own sanity!

Pam Farrel is a relationship specialist, international speaker, and author of over 30 books including best-selling Men are like Waffles, Women are like Spaghetti which she wrote with her husband, Bill. Bill and Pam are frequent guests on radio and television including Focus on the Family, where their interviews with Dr. Dobson were ranked Top 10.  She is the founder and President of Seasoned Sisters, a ministry to women 40-65.

Cheryl Ricker is the author of the new book, Friend in the Storm, which is a collection of poems she wrote to a friend who was coping with cancer. She shares about her childhood, “I thought everybody was staring at me through big critical eyes. My self-consciousness affected my confidence which affected my relationships. Insecurity was my gift that kept on giving. So what did I do? I wrote poetry to process the pain of childhood rejection. It was as if some part of my restless brain knew the power of poetry to reach the broken places.”

WEDNESDAY – SEPTEMBER 15, 2010

EXPLAINING INVISIBLE ILLNESSES

Wayne Connell is the president of the Invisible Disabilities Association which he founded with his wife Sherri. Wayne’s desire to help others who struggle with disabilities has become a passion for him. He obtained a BA in Television and radio broadcasting in 1990. We will be talking with him about invisible illnesses and also the role he fills as husband and caregiver.

PARENTING

Jill Hart is the founder of Christian Work at Home Moms and the author of co-author of So You Want To Be a Work-At-Home Mom. She graduated from Grace University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development/Family Studies and Bible. Jill has worked from home since 2000 and started her own home-based business to assist other Christians who desire to work from home while maintaining a godly life. Jill and her husband, Allen of CWAHD.com (Christian Work at Home Dads) reside in Nebraska with their two children. Jill also lives with a chronic illness.

Kelly Young is the founder of the blog RA Warrior for people who live with rheumatoid arthritis and she’s rather qualified to speak on parenting since she is also the mom of 5 children (yes, 5) that range in all ages.
.

Christine Miserandino is a writer, speaker, patient advocate, wife and mother living in Massapequa Park, NY. Christine is the founder of www.butyoudontlooksick.com, a website that provides resources and useful tips for living life to the fullest with a chronic illness. Her writing which has won various awards has been featured in numerous newspapers, magazines, medical newsletters and television media. She has been living with lupus for over 15 years, and has been volunteering for the Lupus Alliance, Long Island/ Queens Affiliate for 12 years.

THURSDAY – SEPTEMBER 16, 2010

GETTING ORGANIZED AND TIME MANAGEMENT

Karen Whiting, a freelance writer and author of ten Secrets of Success for Women: Time. Her more than 400 articles and devotions have been published in over four-dozen magazines including Brio magazine, Focus on the Family, Today’s Christian Women, Reminisce, and Devo-Zine.

Marcia Ramsland, entertaining media guest expert, speaker, and professional organizer, is well known as “The Organizing Pro” for her practical tips and clever solutions in homes and offices. She appears non national radio and TV, and her tips in national magazines like Better Homes and Gardens, Woman’s Day, and Real Simple magazines. Marcia is the author of the popular “Simplify for Success” book series, Simplify Your Life, Simplify Your Time, Simplify Your Space, Simplify Your Holidays Ages and Stages of Getting Children Organized and booklet. Marcia has a daughter that got Fibromyalgia at age 17 and knows well what it’s like to have an invisible illness in the home.

GIRL TALK – HOW CONNECTING WITH OTHERS HELPS US ALL

Jenni Prokopy is founder and editrix of ChronicBabe.com , an online resource for young women with chronic illness. An award-winning writer, speaker, and expert on healthy living, she shares her personal experience – and rallies the expertise of hundreds of others – to help women live beyond their illness and be total Babes.
Her writing has appeared in numerous publications, and she has worked with dozens of organizations large and small, local and multinational, to create compelling messages that empower people to work better, play harder. . .and be their best.

Kerri Sparling is the founder of 6 Until Me, one of the largest patient blogs for those with diabetes. She is married to a “frantically funny, sharp-witted, and brilliant man who is both handsome and caring.” And  on April 15th, 2010, her daughter joined the Sparling family. She is also a freelance writer and patient advocate.

Christine Miserandino is a writer, speaker, patient advocate, wife and mother living in Massapequa Park, NY. Christine is the founder of www.butyoudontlooksick.com, a website that provides resources and useful tips for living life to the fullest with a chronic illness. Her writing which has won various awards has been featured in numerous newspapers, magazines, medical newsletters and television media. She has been living with lupus for over 15 years.

FRIDAY – SEPTEMBER 17, 2010

CAREER, WORKING, STARTING OWN BIZ

Rosalind Joffe built on her own experience of living with chronic illnesses for 30 years, including multiple sclerosis and ulcerative colitis, when she founded cicoach.com. This career coaching firm is dedicated to helping professionals with chronic illness develop the skills they need to succeed in their careers. Rosalind Joffe is a recognized national expert on chronic illness and its impact on career. She is the co-author of Women, Work and Autoimmune Disease: Keep Working, Girlfriend!

Jennie Krogulski is the founder of Hilton Head Nannies. Despite living with a chronic illness, she has started a successful business and will share some of her best tips.

Trish Robichaud is a Maximum Life & Healthy Relationship Coach who lives with multiple sclerosis & major depression. She teaches women living with chronic illness or disability how to build the confidence necessary to establish effective communication, set comfortable boundaries and nurture trust in their loving relationships. Download her free motivational audio at ChangingPaces.com.

IN CLOSING

LISA AND TWILA FOR THE LAST HALF HOUR – CALL WITH YOUR COMMENTS!

Twila Belk is the “Gotta Tell Somebody Gal” and her family has experienced its share of invisible illnesses. Her energetic, passionate joy in life is sure to encourage you as we sign off for the week.