Chronic illness Pain Support

A Special Video Reminder for Dad's for Father's Day

This is a special video that every dad should watch. It's easy to get caught up in the day to day things and forget how observant our kids are. It's not what we teach them, but how we live that matters.

Enjoy!

 

Lisa

 

Lisa Has Moved Her Blog

Come on over to my new blog at www.chronicillnessupport.wordpress.com - I've found Wordpress to be easy to use and it is where all of our other blogs are for Rest Ministries. Be sure to bookmark the new blog. It has all of the posts, comments, etc. that were previously here imported.

Blessings,

Lisa

Even Sick Chicks Want to Feel Pretty

As we deal with chronic conditions, most of us have had to take the role of “I am woman hear me roar.” But during those middle-of-the-night-moments when we find “Sleepless in Seattle” on television we just want to be a girl again. Suddenly we remember how cute the young, awkward Tom Hanks was. It doesn’t get more girly than sobbing along with Meg Ryan, telling the T.V., “You aren’t crazy, honey. It really is true love even though you’ve never met the guy.”

Though most of us have read those lists of items that are wonderful little gifts to bring someone who has a chronic illness, few of us have been on the receiving end of them. People still find it easier to whip up a casserole than get creative. And that’s okay. You have to be able to laugh when someone drops off a stew to eat in an hour and you find that it’s still frozen solid.

I’ve lived with rheumatoid arthritis since the age of twenty-four; fifteen years now. Though I am used to dealing with chronic pain, an intense wound on my right ankle this autumn brought along an entirely different set of issues, emotions, pain, and desire for comfort.

In November, I ended up in the hospital for seven days with the flesh eating bacteria in my ankle wound. Ironically, just the week before I had picked up an item at Bath and Body Works that wasn’t usually my style—Lambie slipper socks with the little pink nose and eye lashes. I wore one on my “good foot” every day and nearly ever nurse who helped me said “Where did you get those? They are so cute!”

More than nurse said they were heading straight to the store to stock up on them for gifts. Despite not showering for days because the doctor hadn’t given permission, a fuzzy sheep looking up from my foot somehow made me want to burst into singing, “I feel pretty. Oh, so pretty.”

Another way to feel pretty (especially while hospitalized) is to watch three episodes of The Real Housewives of Orange County in a row (because you dropped the remote control and don’t dare beep the nurse again.) I’ll confess, there is nothing like seeing how unhappy beautiful women can be.

And let’s hear it for PJs that are comfortable and cute! Because my wound was on my ankle, the hospital allowed me to wear my own pajamas. Each night my husband took them home to wash and let me change into a fresh set. I sprayed so much stuff with my lavender linen spray I’m sure the nurses thought they’d been transported to a Renuzit commercial of lavender fields.

We gals have to force our self to go out of the way sometimes to just keep feeling human. My first venture out of the house about two weeks after being home was to get a bottle of hair coloring because I didn’t know the color name, just the number.

I’ll admit that though this was the first time since I was thirteen that I’d gone three weeks without mascara, I didn’t think I looked that bad. When you carry around a bag that is attached to your arm with tubing (my I.V.) you assume people may give some grace. But then my mom and I went to sign my son up for Tae Kwon Do and the instructor told Joshua to say something to his “two grandmothers.” Excuse me? “Uh. . . I would be his mother.”  Out came the mascara the next day.

There is nothing wrong with attempting to do what you have to do to feel pretty while fighting chronic illness. And remember, humor is a beautiful thing. As I was lying in bed I overheard my mom on the phone talking to a friend telling her that I had the “MAN-eating virus.”

“Mom!” I hollered. “It’s not a MAN-eating virus! Don’t say that! My sister will never visit again!” There is nothing like a good laugh that can bring the glow back to your cheeks.

Even Sick Chicks Want to Feel Pretty

As we deal with chronic conditions, most of us have had to take the role of “I am woman hear me roar.” But during those middle-of-the-night-moments when we find “Sleepless in Seattle” on television we just want to be a girl again. Suddenly we remember how cute the young, awkward Tom Hanks was. It doesn’t get more girly than sobbing along with Meg Ryan, telling the T.V., “You aren’t crazy, honey. It really is true love even though you’ve never met the guy.”

Though most of us have read those lists of items that are wonderful little gifts to bring someone who has a chronic illness, few of us have been on the receiving end of them. People still find it easier to whip up a casserole than get creative. And that’s okay. You have to be able to laugh when someone drops off a stew to eat in an hour and you find that it’s still frozen solid.

I’ve lived with rheumatoid arthritis since the age of twenty-four; fifteen years now. Though I am used to dealing with chronic pain, an intense wound on my right ankle this autumn brought along an entirely different set of issues, emotions, pain, and desire for comfort.

In November, I ended up in the hospital for seven days with the flesh eating bacteria in my ankle wound. Ironically, just the week before I had picked up an item at Bath and Body Works that wasn’t usually my style—Lambie slipper socks with the little pink nose and eye lashes. I wore one on my “good foot” every day and nearly ever nurse who helped me said “Where did you get those? They are so cute!”

More than nurse said they were heading straight to the store to stock up on them for gifts. Despite not showering for days because the doctor hadn’t given permission, a fuzzy sheep looking up from my foot somehow made me want to burst into singing, “I feel pretty. Oh, so pretty.”

Another way to feel pretty (especially while hospitalized) is to watch three episodes of The Real Housewives of Orange County in a row (because you dropped the remote control and don’t dare beep the nurse again.) I’ll confess, there is nothing like seeing how unhappy beautiful women can be.

And let’s hear it for PJs that are comfortable and cute! Because my wound was on my ankle, the hospital allowed me to wear my own pajamas. Each night my husband took them home to wash and let me change into a fresh set. I sprayed so much stuff with my lavender linen spray I’m sure the nurses thought they’d been transported to a Renuzit commercial of lavender fields.

We gals have to force our self to go out of the way sometimes to just keep feeling human. My first venture out of the house about two weeks after being home was to get a bottle of hair coloring because I didn’t know the color name, just the number.

I’ll admit that though this was the first time since I was thirteen that I’d gone three weeks without mascara, I didn’t think I looked that bad. When you carry around a bag that is attached to your arm with tubing (my I.V.) you assume people may give some grace. But then my mom and I went to sign my son up for Tae Kwon Do and the instructor told Joshua to say something to his “two grandmothers.” Excuse me? “Uh. . . I would be his mother.”  Out came the mascara the next day.

There is nothing wrong with attempting to do what you have to do to feel pretty while fighting chronic illness. And remember, humor is a beautiful thing. As I was lying in bed I overheard my mom on the phone talking to a friend telling her that I had the “MAN-eating virus.”

“Mom!” I hollered. “It’s not a MAN-eating virus! Don’t say that! My sister will never visit again!” There is nothing like a good laugh that can bring the glow back to your cheeks.

Celebrating Yourself in 2009

As the year began the television programs and magazines quickly spread themes of starting afresh. “Live Your Best Life!” “Eating Well in 2009” “Celebrate Yourself!” As someone with a chronic illness, these simple quotes can sometimes be more disheartening than helpful. We’d like to live our best life, eat well and even celebrate our self; instead if feels like our illness controls us, we crave foods we shouldn’t eat and can barely afford all that healthy food anyway. How on earth can we celebrate our self when it feels like our body is turning against us at every turn?

 

After the last four months of fighting an infection with the flesh eating virus, I’ve personally struggled with more fatigue and pain than ever before. The flu during the holidays followed by a deep cough turned into a major flare of my sides and back. My husband stayed home from work in order to help me stand up or get up from the bed. This does not mesh well with my strong independent side or how I imagined marriage this early in my life.

 

After being discharged from the wound care center a couple of weeks ago, however, I left with a sense of entitlement to go get something to eat to celebrate. I could justifiably eat something gooey, sticky, sweet, and not feel bad, right? As I drove towards home, however, I decided I would celebrate myself instead. I would start eating healthier right this moment. I made a right turn and went to my favorite coffee drive through that has two dozen sugar-free flavors. I celebrated with a large iced-decaf-raspberry truffle coffee—sugar-free and guilt-free.

 

That was nearly two weeks ago. I’ve hardly eaten anything I should not except a bit of Chinese food, and not a pound has been lost. But I am still celebrating because I no longer have food controlling me. I don’t think about it as much. I got out my lo-carb cookbooks and have actually bought more groceries in the produce section than other parts of the store.

 

How can we celebrate our self when life seems to be canceling any party we start to plan?

 

·         Choose just one area to work on. Don’t make a list of eight goals that will feel overwhelming.

 

·         Do your best. That means that you recognize that there will be set backs. You may get sick on top of being ill. You may need medication for a condition which will increase weight gain. It may snow the week you decide to start walking. Don’t be discouraged by things out of your control, but rather expect them to occur.

 

·         Think about what your real goal is. Don’t set a goal to be skinny. Instead, see weight loss or eating better as a way to spend a few more years here on earth with those you love. If you decide to have a stricter budget, don’t think of it as a punishment, but rather a way to only spend money on those things that are most needed or most important to you. Remember, money quickly shows us where our heart is.

 

·         Take one day at a time, sometimes one minute at a time. I’m clipping coupons and organizing them better so I actually can find them when I need them. Every time I go to the refrigerator looking for a snack I drink a huge glass of sparkling water first. Celebrate these little things you’ve accomplished.

 

Lastly, remember that you are already special and loved, regardless of the size of your pants or your pocketbook. 1 Samuel 16:7 says, “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” And as you are thinking of ways to celebrate yourself, remember 2 Corinthians 3:5: “Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.”

 

Sometimes it seems no matter how hard we try to accomplish something our efforts are thwarted. And then out of nowhere a surprise may occur. Perhaps a check shows up in the mail that was unexpected. A friend you lost touch with calls to get together. Maybe three pounds suddenly drops off that scale just as you were ready to give up. Oftentimes God allows us to get right to the place where we know we cannot accomplish something on our own, so that when it does occur, we have to say, “I don’t know how this happened. I tried it on my own so long! It must be a God-thing!” So don’t give up. Celebrate yourself by celebrating every effort you make to be the person God designed you to be.

Celebrating Yourself in 2009

As the year began the television programs and magazines quickly spread themes of starting afresh. “Live Your Best Life!” “Eating Well in 2009” “Celebrate Yourself!” As someone with a chronic illness, these simple quotes can sometimes be more disheartening than helpful. We’d like to live our best life, eat well and even celebrate our self; instead if feels like our illness controls us, we crave foods we shouldn’t eat and can barely afford all that healthy food anyway. How on earth can we celebrate our self when it feels like our body is turning against us at every turn?

 

After the last four months of fighting an infection with the flesh eating virus, I’ve personally struggled with more fatigue and pain than ever before. The flu during the holidays followed by a deep cough turned into a major flare of my sides and back. My husband stayed home from work in order to help me stand up or get up from the bed. This does not mesh well with my strong independent side or how I imagined marriage this early in my life.

 

After being discharged from the wound care center a couple of weeks ago, however, I left with a sense of entitlement to go get something to eat to celebrate. I could justifiably eat something gooey, sticky, sweet, and not feel bad, right? As I drove towards home, however, I decided I would celebrate myself instead. I would start eating healthier right this moment. I made a right turn and went to my favorite coffee drive through that has two dozen sugar-free flavors. I celebrated with a large iced-decaf-raspberry truffle coffee—sugar-free and guilt-free.

 

That was nearly two weeks ago. I’ve hardly eaten anything I should not except a bit of Chinese food, and not a pound has been lost. But I am still celebrating because I no longer have food controlling me. I don’t think about it as much. I got out my lo-carb cookbooks and have actually bought more groceries in the produce section than other parts of the store.

 

How can we celebrate our self when life seems to be canceling any party we start to plan?

 

·         Choose just one area to work on. Don’t make a list of eight goals that will feel overwhelming.

 

·         Do your best. That means that you recognize that there will be set backs. You may get sick on top of being ill. You may need medication for a condition which will increase weight gain. It may snow the week you decide to start walking. Don’t be discouraged by things out of your control, but rather expect them to occur.

 

·         Think about what your real goal is. Don’t set a goal to be skinny. Instead, see weight loss or eating better as a way to spend a few more years here on earth with those you love. If you decide to have a stricter budget, don’t think of it as a punishment, but rather a way to only spend money on those things that are most needed or most important to you. Remember, money quickly shows us where our heart is.

 

·         Take one day at a time, sometimes one minute at a time. I’m clipping coupons and organizing them better so I actually can find them when I need them. Every time I go to the refrigerator looking for a snack I drink a huge glass of sparkling water first. Celebrate these little things you’ve accomplished.

 

Lastly, remember that you are already special and loved, regardless of the size of your pants or your pocketbook. 1 Samuel 16:7 says, “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” And as you are thinking of ways to celebrate yourself, remember 2 Corinthians 3:5: “Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.”

 

Sometimes it seems no matter how hard we try to accomplish something our efforts are thwarted. And then out of nowhere a surprise may occur. Perhaps a check shows up in the mail that was unexpected. A friend you lost touch with calls to get together. Maybe three pounds suddenly drops off that scale just as you were ready to give up. Oftentimes God allows us to get right to the place where we know we cannot accomplish something on our own, so that when it does occur, we have to say, “I don’t know how this happened. I tried it on my own so long! It must be a God-thing!” So don’t give up. Celebrate yourself by celebrating every effort you make to be the person God designed you to be.

I Believe...

As many of you know I've been recovering from a bad infection on my ankle the last month. "Recovery" is a difficult word to define. My wound that became infected with the flesh eating virus is healing at a rate that is not even measurable. I've had the PICC line since early November (I am getting it out today!) where I had 4 weeks of IV antibiotics.

But being off of my main medications for rheumatoid arthritis since August has slowed me down considerably and I won't be able to go back on them for months. My tendon I was supposed to have surgery on is still close to rupturing, so once I "recover" I have a surgery to plan on.

Physically and mentally I've never felt so exhausted and that has been more difficult to cope with than the physical pain.

I was very blessed that my parents came to help for four weeks. They did project around the house, helped taxi Joshua from school to Tai Kwon Do to Little Gym. Mom made dinner and did laundry. Dad got my car up to par. I couldn't have done it without them. But that doesn't mean it was easy -- for any of us. I know I will never understand what they experienced seeing me hurt and not being able to fix it. And simple words could easily have led to misunderstandings and hurt feelings. After all, I've never spent so much time with them since I was 17 and living in their house.

People have asked, "How did you do it? Was it hard?" and I've just said, "We all gave each other grace." I recently read "article" below on the internet somewhere and have not been able to track down the author. As the holidays approach I know that many of us deal with the emotions of trying to accept that people are not always exactly how we want them to be. None of us are perfect. But that doesn't meant we love one another any less. Instead, we must just offer grace and remember what is really important in this life.

And most importantly, we must remember where to put our faith -- in the Lord, not in people. Romans 5:5 says, "And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

I hope you will find hope in the article below... and you may even want to consider printing it out for your refridgerator. When someone complains about that turkey being too overdone, one of these references may just get you through the next few moments.

Lisa

I Believe...

As many of you know I've been recovering from a bad infection on my ankle the last month. "Recovery" is a difficult word to define. My wound that became infected with the flesh eating virus is healing at a rate that is not even measurable. I've had the PICC line since early November (I am getting it out today!) where I had 4 weeks of IV antibiotics.

But being off of my main medications for rheumatoid arthritis since August has slowed me down considerably and I won't be able to go back on them for months. My tendon I was supposed to have surgery on is still close to rupturing, so once I "recover" I have a surgery to plan on.

Physically and mentally I've never felt so exhausted and that has been more difficult to cope with than the physical pain.

I was very blessed that my parents came to help for four weeks. They did project around the house, helped taxi Joshua from school to Tai Kwon Do to Little Gym. Mom made dinner and did laundry. Dad got my car up to par. I couldn't have done it without them. But that doesn't mean it was easy -- for any of us. I know I will never understand what they experienced seeing me hurt and not being able to fix it. And simple words could easily have led to misunderstandings and hurt feelings. After all, I've never spent so much time with them since I was 17 and living in their house.

People have asked, "How did you do it? Was it hard?" and I've just said, "We all gave each other grace." I recently read "article" below on the internet somewhere and have not been able to track down the author. As the holidays approach I know that many of us deal with the emotions of trying to accept that people are not always exactly how we want them to be. None of us are perfect. But that doesn't meant we love one another any less. Instead, we must just offer grace and remember what is really important in this life.

And most importantly, we must remember where to put our faith -- in the Lord, not in people. Romans 5:5 says, "And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

I hope you will find hope in the article below... and you may even want to consider printing it out for your refridgerator. When someone complains about that turkey being too overdone, one of these references may just get you through the next few moments.

Lisa

-------------------

I BELIEVE

I  believe . . . That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.

I believe . . . That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I believe . . . That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I believe . . . That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I believe . . . That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I believe . . . That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I believe . . . That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I believe . . . That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I believe . . . That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I believe . . . That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I believe . . . That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I believe . . . That my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.

I believe . . . That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.

I believe . . . That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I believe . . . That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

 

I believe . . . That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I believe . . . That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I believe . . . That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I believe . . . That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life Forever.

I believe . . . Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I believe . . . That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

I believe . . . That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.

I believe . . . That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I believe . . . That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

 

This Thanksgiving Offers New Perspective When Ill

Thanksgiving will take on a new meaning this year. In the past my parents spent the holiday at their home in another state with the rest of the family and my husband and I made our own traditions with our son. Last year we watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, I put on a turkey (pre-cooked), mixed up the dressing, stuck in some acorn squash and called it dinner. With our “lo-carb” eating Thanksgiving dinner became less important.

 

Last year we went to a for our family was to give away puzzles with Shrek on them. The church held a large “town” of services such as medical, dental, fun items as well as dinner. We usually end the day with a drive over to the fairgrounds where we drive around the Del Mar Racetrack (literally) to see the Christmas lights.

 

This year, I will just hit my half-way point of three weeks of being on my IV penicillin, to keep fighting an infection that put me in the hospital for a week just a couple weeks ago. I am sick of the PICC line feeling like I have six rubber bands around my arm. I’m tired of a shower being such an inconvenience, taping baggies around both my arm and foot. I’m tired of wearing slippers everywhere and tripping over my IV tubing. I overdid the other day in activity and ended up back in wound care, concerned about the severity of pain.

 

But I am also thankful. This year I am not taking anything for granted. When I went back to wound care, I didn’t know if I could be home in an hour, or back in the hospital with a bone infection. I didn’t know if I’d walked my last steps on my foot; as after reading about the infection I had, I realize just how lucky I am to still have a foot. I am thankful for my parents who are now retired and are able to be here to help out and also get to experience some of the daily activities Josh has, like today’s Thanksgiving Day “feast” at school for all family members.

 

I am thankful I am able to take the medication. I am thankful that we are trying to figure out our insurance, but a “member cap” may make this a smaller bill than we were afraid of. I’m thankful my hand tendon hasn’t yet ruptured since the infection delayed that surgery. It moved badly tonight and I don’t know how much time it has.

 

I am thankful for my husband who has never been so involved in my medical care, but who has been completely in charge of my IV, IV computer, foot wound care and more. Especially the days I drag myself over so he can do what needs done and I act more annoyed than grateful.

 

I could go on and on. But. . . I could easily make just as long of a list of all the pain, worries, complications, frustrations, feeling of injustice, or the disappointment I’ve felt over the lack of concern from some people I thought would show they cared who have not. I won’t make that list as it would not benefit anyone, especially my own mental health.

 

This has been a season of surrendering over all my desires for the picture perfect holiday; and even the joys that typically come with pulling out all the Christmas decorations and dishes. Because of our budget, Christmas really will be about celebrating Christ’s birth, that we’re alive one more day, being with loved ones and just watching our son open Christmas presents.

 

I have to say that this year, more than many other, I am learning more about the feeling Paul had about contentment in Philippians 4:11-12: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”

 

Happy Thanksgiving, Friends. May this not be a season of suffering for you, but rather one of contentment in the midst of the most difficult circumstances.large local church and volunteered our services. Ironically, the job

 

 Lisa

This Thanksgiving Offers New Perspective When Ill

Thanksgiving will take on a new meaning this year. In the past my parents spent the holiday at their home in another state with the rest of the family and my husband and I made our own traditions with our son. Last year we watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, I put on a turkey (pre-cooked), mixed up the dressing, stuck in some acorn squash and called it dinner. With our “lo-carb” eating Thanksgiving dinner became less important.

 

Last year we went to a for our family was to give away puzzles with Shrek on them. The church held a large “town” of services such as medical, dental, fun items as well as dinner. We usually end the day with a drive over to the fairgrounds where we drive around the Del Mar Racetrack (literally) to see the Christmas lights.

 

This year, I will just hit my half-way point of three weeks of being on my IV penicillin, to keep fighting an infection that put me in the hospital for a week just a couple weeks ago. I am sick of the PICC line feeling like I have six rubber bands around my arm. I’m tired of a shower being such an inconvenience, taping baggies around both my arm and foot. I’m tired of wearing slippers everywhere and tripping over my IV tubing. I overdid the other day in activity and ended up back in wound care, concerned about the severity of pain.

 

But I am also thankful. This year I am not taking anything for granted. When I went back to wound care, I didn’t know if I could be home in an hour, or back in the hospital with a bone infection. I didn’t know if I’d walked my last steps on my foot; as after reading about the infection I had, I realize just how lucky I am to still have a foot. I am thankful for my parents who are now retired and are able to be here to help out and also get to experience some of the daily activities Josh has, like today’s Thanksgiving Day “feast” at school for all family members.

 

I am thankful I am able to take the medication. I am thankful that we are trying to figure out our insurance, but a “member cap” may make this a smaller bill than we were afraid of. I’m thankful my hand tendon hasn’t yet ruptured since the infection delayed that surgery. It moved badly tonight and I don’t know how much time it has.

 

I am thankful for my husband who has never been so involved in my medical care, but who has been completely in charge of my IV, IV computer, foot wound care and more. Especially the days I drag myself over so he can do what needs done and I act more annoyed than grateful.

 

I could go on and on. But. . . I could easily make just as long of a list of all the pain, worries, complications, frustrations, feeling of injustice, or the disappointment I’ve felt over the lack of concern from some people I thought would show they cared who have not. I won’t make that list as it would not benefit anyone, especially my own mental health.

 

This has been a season of surrendering over all my desires for the picture perfect holiday; and even the joys that typically come with pulling out all the Christmas decorations and dishes. Because of our budget, Christmas really will be about celebrating Christ’s birth, that we’re alive one more day, being with loved ones and just watching our son open Christmas presents.

 

I have to say that this year, more than many other, I am learning more about the feeling Paul had about contentment in Philippians 4:11-12: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”

 

Happy Thanksgiving, Friends. May this not be a season of suffering for you, but rather one of contentment in the midst of the most difficult circumstances.large local church and volunteered our services. Ironically, the job

 

 Lisa