I'm so excited to share that I am leading a new small group for people who live with chronic illness or pain! We start tomorrow! God is SO good!
God gave me a dream, a burden several years ago for starting a group where people who live with chronic pain could go to share their frustrations and to get encouragement. A place to feel safe, to feel loved and understood. I kept putting it off for many reasons - I wasn't emotionally ready, I haven't had a place to hold the meeting, I just didn't feel "qualified."
Finally, I realized that although I'll never feel equipped, the time is right. I know where we are weak, He is strong. I know He has been preparing me for several months. He placed several people in my life who also need this group - to show me how much it is needed. He led me to small groups where I have been loved and nurtured. He's drawn me closer to Him, growing my love for intercessory prayer.
I sent in my application for a small group during this summer's semester at my church, Church of the Highlands. I still didn't have a place to hold the group or a co-leader. My small group was approved....and my mom volunteered to be my co-leader and to hold the meetings in her home! Green lights from God for sure!
So, tomorrow we begin! I have applied to affiliate with Rest Ministries' HopeKeeper groups. You can find a link in the sidebar here on my page. Awesome materials and support. This summer I'm taking it week by week and writing my own material. God has been so faithful to give me ideas!
We meet on Wednesdays: fellowship begins at 9:30, meeting starts at 10am. You are welcome! Send me an email and I'll send directions. we'd love to have you join us. We meet for six weeks this summer, take a break and will hopefully continue in the fall.
I'd appreciate your prayer support! I'll keep you posted on how we're doing.
Love and gentle hugs to all!
Lisa
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The Spoon Theory written by Christine Miserandino
It is very hard for someone who deals with fatigue to explain what it is like. You've probably heard the "worse than the worst case of the flu you've ever had" description - but that falls short.
Some time ago I stumbled across this description by Christine Miserandino - it is awesome:
The Spoon Theory written by Christine Miserandino
Posted using ShareThis
Christine's website "But You Don't Look Sick" is listed in the sidebar under "Favorite Websites" - she has tons of great info! Enjoy! Let me know what you think!
Blessings,
Lisa
Some time ago I stumbled across this description by Christine Miserandino - it is awesome:
The Spoon Theory written by Christine Miserandino
Posted using ShareThis
Christine's website "But You Don't Look Sick" is listed in the sidebar under "Favorite Websites" - she has tons of great info! Enjoy! Let me know what you think!
Blessings,
Lisa
Stepping Out in Faith
God has been talking to me for several years about something He wanted me to do...to be honest, I heard Him but came up with so many "reasons" I couldn't do what He asked. Like Moses, I offered Him suggestions on who would be better - why I wasn't His best choice - why I wasn't ready....but He kept nudging me. He was patient with me, giving me confidence in some of the areas I felt lacking. But He is very persistent - have you noticed that? When God has something for you to do, often He keeps knocking and knocking - God doesn't forget! :)
This year I realized early on that He was preparing me in earnest for this job He's been asking me to do. I enrolled in four small groups and each prepared me in a different way: my smocking group taught me to laugh again, to open up, and gave me a precious group of women to pray with and for; my Prayer Training group taught me about intercessory prayer and drawing closer to God; the Israel group helped me open up more and reminded me time is short!; and my Daniel study group gave me opportunity to dig deep into His Word and brought me to a extraordinary group of women who I grew to dearly love. God amazed me week after week by connecting these groups with common threads: a verse that kept coming up or a topic discussed in two groups the same week.
Earlier this month, I told God that, although I still don't feel "ready" or "worthy" of His mission for me, I'm ready to step out on faith that He will be strong where I am weak. I signed up to lead a small group at my church (Church of the Highlands) for people who live with chronic pain. Its a support group, not just for Highlanders, but for my community. He has affirmed my decision in so many ways! He is so good to me! Our group starts the first week in June and will be at mom's house on Wednesday mornings. I'd appreciate your prayers!
When I was first diagnosed with fibromyalgia, I went to a medical support group and left very depressed. I vowed never to go back. I desperately needed people to talk to who understood what I was going through but did NOT need a pity party! This small group will be affiliated with Rest Ministries' Hopekeepers - the purpose is to offer hope to people living with chronic illness and/or chronic pain. Go to their website to learn more information - http://www.restministries.org/.
Please give me feedback! What do you need? What interests you? Soon I'll be sharing stories and photos about our gardening adventure this year, about my smocking adventures, and our pets as well as things God is teaching me.
God loves you! And so do I! Blessings to all - Lisa
This year I realized early on that He was preparing me in earnest for this job He's been asking me to do. I enrolled in four small groups and each prepared me in a different way: my smocking group taught me to laugh again, to open up, and gave me a precious group of women to pray with and for; my Prayer Training group taught me about intercessory prayer and drawing closer to God; the Israel group helped me open up more and reminded me time is short!; and my Daniel study group gave me opportunity to dig deep into His Word and brought me to a extraordinary group of women who I grew to dearly love. God amazed me week after week by connecting these groups with common threads: a verse that kept coming up or a topic discussed in two groups the same week.
Earlier this month, I told God that, although I still don't feel "ready" or "worthy" of His mission for me, I'm ready to step out on faith that He will be strong where I am weak. I signed up to lead a small group at my church (Church of the Highlands) for people who live with chronic pain. Its a support group, not just for Highlanders, but for my community. He has affirmed my decision in so many ways! He is so good to me! Our group starts the first week in June and will be at mom's house on Wednesday mornings. I'd appreciate your prayers!
When I was first diagnosed with fibromyalgia, I went to a medical support group and left very depressed. I vowed never to go back. I desperately needed people to talk to who understood what I was going through but did NOT need a pity party! This small group will be affiliated with Rest Ministries' Hopekeepers - the purpose is to offer hope to people living with chronic illness and/or chronic pain. Go to their website to learn more information - http://www.restministries.org/.
Please give me feedback! What do you need? What interests you? Soon I'll be sharing stories and photos about our gardening adventure this year, about my smocking adventures, and our pets as well as things God is teaching me.
God loves you! And so do I! Blessings to all - Lisa
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
I'm Back!
After nearly two and a half years, I'm resuming my blog! Yay!
I wanted to share something I've learned in my own journey with fatigue and pain - sometimes the best way to GET more energy is to GIVE some! I know it sounds backwards but it works!
I found this fascinating quote today:
Although you may think that volunteering will drain all your energy, you may find that it actually can ease physical pain. And sometimes, even if you are in more physical pain, you may discover that the mental and spiritual joy you gained still makes the physical pain worth it!restministries.com, Volunteering Can Ease Pain, May 2010
You should read the whole article.
In my own life, I know when I choose to use some precious energy to help a friend, minister to the youth at church, or participate in a prayer walk, I walk away refreshed in my Spirit. I may be physically exhausted but it "feels good."
I also know that when I feel depressed or anxious, giving of myself to someone else takes my attention off of ME and I feel better! Sometimes when we focus on the pain, our focus so narrows that is ALL we see.
If you are feeling down, anxious, fatigued or having a painful day, try looking around to see who can use your help! Even a phone call to check on a friend will lift your day. If you can physically get out and do something to help someone, even better! It works, I promise!
Check back in every day - I'm planning to share lots of lessons learned!
Blessings!
I wanted to share something I've learned in my own journey with fatigue and pain - sometimes the best way to GET more energy is to GIVE some! I know it sounds backwards but it works!
I found this fascinating quote today:
Although you may think that volunteering will drain all your energy, you may find that it actually can ease physical pain. And sometimes, even if you are in more physical pain, you may discover that the mental and spiritual joy you gained still makes the physical pain worth it!restministries.com, Volunteering Can Ease Pain, May 2010
You should read the whole article.
In my own life, I know when I choose to use some precious energy to help a friend, minister to the youth at church, or participate in a prayer walk, I walk away refreshed in my Spirit. I may be physically exhausted but it "feels good."
I also know that when I feel depressed or anxious, giving of myself to someone else takes my attention off of ME and I feel better! Sometimes when we focus on the pain, our focus so narrows that is ALL we see.
If you are feeling down, anxious, fatigued or having a painful day, try looking around to see who can use your help! Even a phone call to check on a friend will lift your day. If you can physically get out and do something to help someone, even better! It works, I promise!
Check back in every day - I'm planning to share lots of lessons learned!
Blessings!
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